The University of Western Ontario has given three research projects a financial boost to expedite efforts towards commercialization through the Western Innovation Fund.
The awards, launched in 2004 and distributed annually by the Office of the Vice-President (Research & International Relations), provide incentive for researchers to explore commercial opportunities outside the lab.
More than $96,000 in funding will jumpstart the commercialization of the following projects:
Name: Amarjeet Bassi (Faculty of Engineering)
Award: $50,000
Title: Bioseparation of Ionic Impurities from Thin Stillage and Biomass Hydrolysate using Continuous Fluidized Ion Exchange Technology
The Bioethanol Industry is under increased pressure to employ less desirable and more challenging cellulosic hydrolysate feed-stocks, all the while reducing costs. A component in the manufacturing process is recycled thin stillage, a waste stream which is added back to the cooker or fermenter, acting as a source of minerals and to reduce fresh water consumption. Unfortunately, the practice of re-circulating stillage causes a build-up of inhibitory components and inhibition of ethanol fermentation.
The Continuous Fluidized Ion Exchange Technology patented and developed at Western is proposed to remove inhibitory compounds from the stillage as well as from cellulosic hydrolysates. The bioethanol industry will benefit from substantial increases in productivity, processing flexibility, product consistency, yield and profits.
Professor Amarjeet Bassi, in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western is partnering with a local biotechnology company, Biotransform Research (BTR) in London, Ont., to move this innovative technology towards commercial applications in this niche market.
Name: Ian Cunningham (Robarts Research Institute)
Award: $22,500
Title: Ensuring optimal performance of x-ray detectors for digital radiography
There is a recognized need to prioritize patient safety from unnecessary medical x-ray exposure, yet provide the best possible diagnoses and medical care. This is particularly relevant in the context of pediatric and mammography diagnostic radiography applications.
While both dose and diagnostic success depend upon optimally functioning x-ray systems, not all imaging systems are equal and most have the capacity to degrade over time. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) value is the best method of evaluating the performance and optimal functionality of digital x-ray detection systems.
With provincial and federal funding, researchers have developed the only DQE -measurement instrument that is portable, affordable, and useable by non-experts. With current funding from the Western Innovation Fund and C4POP, five CSA-certified instruments are being used by industry regulators and four academic leaders in a multi-centred trial to verify the capacity of the instrument to perform to standards accepted by the international community.
This additional Western Innovation Fund financing will establish the infrastructure within a WORLDiscoveries supported start-up company dedicated to servicing the current demand for the DQE measurement system in the assessment of x-ray system performance. This will help to ensure the safety and adequate diagnosis of hospital patients subject to radiographic diagnostic imaging.
Name: Hanif Ladak (Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Faculty of Engineering)
Co-applicant/Collaborator: Murad Husein and Sumit Agrawal
Award: $23,730
Title: Interactive simulation software for training in otoscopy
Otoscopy refers to the visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum for disease. The accuracy rate amongst primary care providers and students when diagnosing middle ear fluid using otoscopy is poor.
Middle ear fluid and infections occur frequently in children, and can tremendously hamper their abilities to learn, communicate and socialize at critical stages in their development.
In order to improve training of medical students in performing otoscopy, researchers have developed a virtual-reality based simulator that presents the trainee with 3D digital models of ears that can be used for practice. The simulator provides an opportunity to train on a wide range of ear diseases that may not be encountered during the course of standard training; moreover, the simulator can offer quantitative feedback and tutoring.