Teknolojiler

Patent Title: Novel DNA Polymerase Gamma Inhibitor and Uses Thereof
IP Status: Granted US and European patents; filing/protection coverage reported for Türkiye, France, Germany and the United Kingdom
Technology Area: Cancer Therapeutics / Small-Molecule Drugs / Synthetic Lethality / DNA Repair Targets
TRL: TRL 4

This technology uses small-molecule DNA polymerase gamma (Pol γ) inhibitors to selectively target cancer cells carrying MLH1 mutations or loss of MLH1 function through a synthetic-lethality mechanism. Developed particularly for colorectal cancers with impaired MLH1 function, the approach exploits increased dependence on mitochondrial DNA-repair pathways and provides a molecularly targeted platform for anticancer drug development.

Technology Overview

The technology is based on the synthetic-lethal relationship between impaired MLH1 function, a key component of the DNA mismatch-repair pathway, and mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (Pol γ). Mutation or loss of MLH1 function compromises one DNA-repair pathway and can increase the dependence of cancer cells on complementary mechanisms required to maintain mitochondrial genome integrity. Inhibition of Pol γ disrupts this compensatory mechanism and can selectively drive cancer cells with impaired MLH1 function towards cell death.

Pol γ is a central enzyme involved in mitochondrial DNA replication and base-excision repair. The developed inhibitor compounds directly interact with Pol γ and suppress its DNA-synthesis activity. This interference promotes accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage, increased reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and ultimately cell death in cancer cells with impaired MLH1 function.

A key differentiating feature is the use of a molecular vulnerability associated with MLH1 mutation or loss of function rather than relying solely on broad cytotoxicity. Laboratory and animal studies showed inhibition of proliferation and tumour growth in HCT116 colorectal cancer models with impaired MLH1 function, while MLH1-functional control cells and tumour models were substantially less affected or unaffected under the reported experimental conditions.

The patent scope includes Pol γ inhibitor compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrugs, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The approach may be developed as a standalone therapy or investigated in combination with other anticancer agents or radiotherapy.

Current development remains at laboratory and preclinical stage. Further translation requires optimisation of the candidate compound and formulation, completion of the necessary safety and pharmacology studies, and subsequent clinical evaluation in patient populations selected according to MLH1 mutation or functional status.

Problem / Market Need

Mutations in MLH1 or loss of MLH1 function can disrupt the DNA mismatch-repair system and represent an important molecular feature in defined subsets of colorectal and other cancers. These tumours may exhibit distinct responses to standard therapies, creating a need for treatment strategies that directly exploit their underlying molecular vulnerabilities.

When tumour cells lose the function of a primary DNA-repair pathway, they may become increasingly dependent on alternative or complementary repair mechanisms for survival. Synthetic-lethality strategies exploit this dependency by inhibiting a second pathway that has become critical specifically in the repair-impaired cancer cell.

Targeting Pol γ in cancer cells with impaired MLH1 function provides such an approach, creating the potential for a precision-oncology strategy directed towards tumours defined by their MLH1 status rather than applying a broadly cytotoxic mechanism across all cells.

Key Advantages

• Synthetic-lethality-based targeting of cancer cells with MLH1 mutation or loss of function
• Direct molecular targeting of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma
• Exploits DNA-repair dependency associated with impaired MLH1 function
• Antitumour activity demonstrated in laboratory and animal models
• Potential selectivity relative to control cells and tumours with functional MLH1
• Small-molecule architecture suitable for pharmaceutical development
• Potential for standalone or combination anticancer treatment strategies
• Compatible with biomarker-driven precision-oncology development

Applications

• Targeted therapy development for colorectal cancers with MLH1 mutation or loss of function
• Small-molecule therapies for tumours with impaired mismatch-repair function
• Synthetic-lethality-based cancer therapeutics
• Precision-oncology approaches targeting DNA-repair vulnerabilities
• Combination therapy development for tumours with impaired MLH1 function
• Preclinical drug development for Lynch-syndrome-associated cancers
• Anticancer drug research targeting mitochondrial DNA repair

Relevant Industries

• Oncology
• Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
• Small-Molecule Drug Development
• Precision Medicine
• Cancer Biology
• Preclinical and Clinical Drug Development
• Molecular Diagnostics and Patient Stratification

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The mechanism has been demonstrated through cellular studies, and preclinical evaluation has been performed in animal models. In HCT116 colorectal cancer cells with impaired MLH1 function, Pol γ inhibition reduced proliferation and induced selective cell death.

Animal studies using HCT116 xenograft models with impaired MLH1 function demonstrated suppression of tumour growth, while comparable effects were not observed in the control tumour models with functional MLH1 used in the reported studies. These findings support the MLH1-status-dependent antitumour mechanism of the technology.

The Technology Form states that validation remains in progress, that animal studies have been completed, and that clinical studies have not yet begun. No industrial or clinically deployable product prototype is currently available.

Advancement beyond TRL 4 will require development of a clinical candidate, broader safety and pharmacology studies, and progression into clinical trials.

The technology was developed as an output of a TÜBİTAK 1003-supported research project.

Intellectual Property

US Patent: US11883419B2
US Patent Publication: US20210275548A1
European Patent: EP3810147B1
International Patent Publication: WO2020005171A1
Patent Title: Novel DNA Polymerase Gamma Inhibitor and Uses Thereof
US Filing Date: 25 June 2018
US Patent Grant Date: 30 January 2024
Applicants / Assignees: Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Sabancı University and Koç University
Protection / Filing Coverage Reported in the Technology Form: United States, Türkiye, France, Germany, United Kingdom

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently in prototype development and is available for licensing. Further development requires translation of the preclinically demonstrated selective antitumour mechanism into a clinically suitable drug candidate and pharmaceutical formulation.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial and preclinical validation
• Manufacturing and drug-development collaboration
• Investment and commercial partnership
• Clinical-development partnership

Potential partners may include oncology-focused biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing small-molecule therapeutics, organisations targeting DNA-repair pathways, precision-oncology companies, CROs with preclinical and clinical development capabilities, and diagnostic companies working on MLH1/MMR-based patient stratification.

Priority areas for joint development include candidate optimisation, pharmaceutical formulation, GLP-compliant toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies, advanced validation in tumour models with MLH1 mutation or loss of function, biomarker strategies for patient selection, and preparation of early-phase clinical development programmes.

Inventors

Inventors: Meltem Muftuoglu, Batu Erman, Burak Erman

Contact

Patent Title: Alternating Current Magnet System For Magnet Assisted Transfection
IP Status: Granted US patent; filing/protection coverage in Türkiye
Technology Area: Gene Delivery / Magnetofection / Cell Engineering / Laboratory Technologies
TRL: TRL 4

This alternating-current magnetofection system uses dynamic magnetic fields to control the movement of gene-carrying magnetic nanoparticles at the cell surface, providing a platform for enhancing transfection efficiency. Adjustable magnetic-field parameters and selective field control support systematic optimisation of gene-delivery conditions across different cells and experimental protocols.

Technology Overview

The technology is a magnetofection platform that uses alternating-current-generated dynamic magnetic fields to facilitate delivery of genetic material into target cells using magnetic nanoparticles. In magnetofection, nucleic-acid payloads are associated with magnetic carriers such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), which can then be directed towards cultured cells using magnetic forces.

Conventional magnetofection systems rely primarily on static magnets to attract magnetic nanoparticle–gene complexes towards the cell surface. The developed system introduces an alternating magnetic field that additionally promotes lateral movement of the particles across the cell membrane. Rapid polarity changes can therefore improve the distribution of gene-carrying nanoparticles at the cell surface and increase opportunities for cellular uptake through endocytosis.

The system is based on an electromagnet architecture comprising ferromagnetic cores and multilayer coils. Magnetic-field intensity, exposure duration and ON/OFF cycles can be electrically controlled. AC and DC magnetic fields may also be applied in different sequences, enabling the transfection protocol to be adapted according to parameters such as cell type, magnetic nanoparticle system and nucleic-acid payload.

A further feature is selective magnetic-field application across different experimental locations. The system can interface with standard multi-well cell-culture plates, including 96-well formats. Row-column addressing allows selected wells to receive magnetic-field exposure while others remain as experimental controls, supporting parallel comparison of different transfection conditions on the same platform.

The compact architecture contains no moving mechanical components and is designed for integration into existing cell-culture and magnetofection workflows. The technology provides a controllable laboratory platform for gene-delivery research, cell engineering, transfection-protocol optimisation and magnetic-nanoparticle-mediated nucleic-acid delivery.

Problem / Market Need

Efficient delivery of DNA, RNA and other nucleic acids into target cells is a fundamental requirement in gene-function studies, cell engineering, genetic modification research and development of emerging biological therapies. Transfection efficiency can vary significantly between cell types, and achieving adequate gene delivery remains challenging in many difficult-to-transfect cells.

Conventional static-magnet magnetofection systems can effectively attract gene-carrying magnetic nanoparticles towards cells but provide limited active control over their movement and distribution across the cell membrane. Localised particle accumulation can restrict the surface area available for interaction with cells.

Dynamic alternating magnetic fields introduce an additional control mechanism by promoting particle movement and redistribution at the cell surface. Controllable field intensity, timing and selective exposure also create opportunities to systematically optimise gene-delivery protocols for different experimental conditions.

Key Advantages

• Dynamic alternating magnetic fields designed to enhance magnetofection and gene delivery
• Lateral movement of magnetic nanoparticles across the cell surface
• Improved distribution of gene-carrying nanoparticles at the cell membrane
• Controllable magnetic-field intensity, exposure duration and ON/OFF cycles
• Ability to combine AC and DC magnetic-field stages within different transfection protocols
• Selective magnetic-field application to specific experimental regions or wells
• Compatibility with standard multi-well culture formats, including 96-well plates
• Compact benchtop architecture with no moving mechanical components

Applications

• Magnetofection-based delivery of DNA and other nucleic acids into cultured cells
• Gene-expression research
• Cell-engineering and genetic-modification studies
• Development of gene-delivery protocols for difficult-to-transfect cells
• Optimisation of magnetofection conditions
• Laboratory-scale gene delivery for gene-therapy and therapeutic-nucleic-acid research
• Parallel cell-culture and transfection experiments
• Magnetic-nanoparticle-mediated cellular-delivery research

Relevant Industries

• Biotechnology
• Cell and Gene Therapy Research
• Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical R&D
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Cell Engineering
• Laboratory and Life-Science Instrumentation
• Nanobiotechnology
• Academic and Industrial Life-Science Research

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The technology has been evaluated in laboratory magnetofection experiments and the operating principle of the alternating-current magnetic-field approach has been demonstrated. Current work consists of laboratory-scale experimental systems and cell-transfection studies rather than a product-oriented physical prototype.

Laboratory experiments compared the developed AC magnet system with a commercial static DC magnet system. Cells exposed to the alternating magnetic field showed increased fluorescence consistent with enhanced gene-transfer effectiveness. Under the experimental conditions disclosed in the patent, an increase in transfection effectiveness of up to approximately six-fold was reported.

This performance result is specific to the tested cell model, magnetic nanoparticle system and experimental conditions and should not be interpreted as a universal six-fold improvement across different cells or transfection applications.

The experimental system was evaluated using an alternating magnetic field of approximately 25 mT at 60 Hz and in cell-culture studies including HEK293 cells. The architecture also supports selective activation of different experimental regions within multi-well plates.

The Technology Form identifies formal testing / validation as not yet started. The available laboratory results are therefore treated as demonstration of the operating principle and gene-delivery potential rather than completed product-level or industrial validation.

Intellectual Property

US Patent: US11160884B2
US Patent Publication: US20200360539A1
US Application No.: US16/412,387
Turkish Application: TR2019/10279
Patent Title: Alternating Current Magnet System For Magnet Assisted Transfection
US Filing / Priority Date: 14 May 2019
Turkish Filing Date: 10 July 2019
US Patent Grant Date: 2 November 2021
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University
Protection / Filing Coverage Reported in the Technology Form: United States, Türkiye

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the research stage and is available for licensing. Further development requires translation of the laboratory-demonstrated AC magnetofection approach into a product-oriented prototype, validation across additional cell and gene-delivery protocols, and integration into reproducible laboratory workflows.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Joint manufacturing and product development

Potential partners may include biotechnology companies developing transfection reagents and gene-delivery systems, cell and gene-therapy R&D organisations, life-science instrumentation manufacturers, cell-culture and high-throughput screening technology developers, and organisations working with magnetic nanoparticle platforms.

Priority areas for joint development include validation across different cell types, development of user-programmable magnetic-field parameters, automation of parallel treatment and control experiments, and translation of the system into a laboratory product compatible with standard cell-culture instrumentation.

Inventors

Inventor: Murat Kaya Yapici

Contact

Patent Title: Use of miRNAs for the Diagnosis, Prophylaxis, Treatment and Follow-Up of Diseases Involving Macroautophagy Abnormalities
IP Status: Granted European patent; protection coverage reported for the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Türkiye
Technology Area: RNA Therapeutics / Autophagy Modulation / Molecular Diagnostics / Biotechnology
TRL: TRL 4

This technology uses members of the hsa-miR-376 family, particularly miR-376b and their inhibitors, to regulate cellular autophagy for the development of RNA-based therapeutic, diagnostic and disease-monitoring approaches. By targeting key proteins within the autophagy pathway, the platform provides a molecular strategy for conditions in which abnormal autophagic activity contributes to disease.

Technology Overview

The technology is based on controlling macroautophagy, the cellular pathway responsible for degrading and recycling damaged proteins and organelles, through microRNA-mediated regulation. The core approach uses microRNAs from the hsa-miR-376 family or inhibitors directed against these microRNAs to modulate autophagic activity. In the principal implementation, miR-376b directly regulates two important components of the autophagy pathway, BECN1 and ATG4C.

miR-376b targets specific binding sequences within the 3' untranslated regions of BECN1 and ATG4C mRNAs, reducing their intracellular mRNA and protein levels and attenuating autophagic activity. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous miR-376b using molecules such as antagomirs increases BECN1 and ATG4C levels, providing a route to modulate the pathway in the opposite direction. This creates different intervention strategies around the same molecular regulatory axis.

This bidirectional modulation provides a platform for exploring different therapeutic strategies depending on the role of autophagy in a particular disease. The patent scope encompasses the use of the miRNAs or their inhibitors for prophylaxis and treatment as well as for diagnosis and follow-up of diseases associated with abnormal autophagic activity.

The technology is compatible with different nucleic-acid-delivery strategies. Delivery approaches described in the patent include liposomes, polymer-based nanoparticles, cholesterol conjugates, cyclodextrin complexes, polyethyleneimine polymers and protein complexes. This provides flexibility for pharmaceutical development of formulations intended to deliver the selected miRNA or inhibitor to target tissues.

Development is currently at laboratory and preclinical stage. The molecular mechanism for regulating autophagy has been demonstrated in cellular systems, animal studies have been completed, and toxicity studies have been conducted. Progression towards clinical development requires certified toxicity studies and the relevant ethical and regulatory approvals before clinical trials can begin.

Problem / Market Need

Autophagy is a fundamental cellular mechanism responsible for maintaining homeostasis through the removal and recycling of damaged proteins and organelles. Excessive or insufficient autophagic activity is associated with diverse pathological processes, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and a range of metabolic, inflammatory and other diseases.

Rather than broadly activating or inhibiting the entire autophagy pathway, targeting molecular regulators that control specific parts of this process creates opportunities for more directed therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. MicroRNAs represent such regulatory nodes because they can control the expression of biologically important target genes.

The miR-376 platform provides a molecular approach for regulating defined autophagy-related targets and creates a basis for developing RNA therapeutics, diagnostic strategies and treatment-monitoring tools that can be adapted to the biological context of different autophagy-associated diseases.

Key Advantages

• Direct regulation of the key autophagy proteins BECN1 and ATG4C through miR-376b
• Potential to modulate autophagy in different directions using miRNAs or corresponding inhibitors
• Simultaneous control of two important components acting at different stages of the autophagy pathway
• Platform potential for therapeutic use as well as diagnosis and treatment follow-up
• Compatibility with multiple nucleic-acid and drug-delivery approaches
• Adaptable platform for different disease areas associated with abnormal autophagy
• Molecular mechanism supported by laboratory and preclinical development work
• Potential for development as an accessible and scalable RNA-based platform

Applications

• Development of autophagy-modulating RNA therapeutics
• miRNA-inhibitor and antagomir-based therapeutic approaches
• Molecular diagnosis and monitoring of diseases associated with abnormal autophagy
• Oncology research and therapeutic development, including breast and liver cancer
• Research and therapeutic development for neurodegenerative diseases
• Autophagy-targeted research in liver and cardiovascular diseases
• Autophagy modulation in inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases
• RNA-based research for metabolic and cellular-stress-related disorders

Relevant Industries

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals
• RNA Therapeutics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Oncology
• Neurodegenerative Disease Technologies
• Precision Medicine and Biomarkers
• Drug Delivery Systems

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The technology has been validated at laboratory scale, with studies addressing the active molecular mechanism and biological effects at cellular level. Regulation of autophagic activity through miR-376b-mediated modulation of BECN1 and ATG4C has been demonstrated in cell models.

Animal experiments have been completed, and toxicity studies have been conducted. Results of the producable drug formulation or product-level prototypes are under the development phase. product/prototype development remains ongoing.

Certified toxicity studies and the required ethical and regulatory approvals will be necessary before progression to clinical development. Subsequent development is expected to require Phase I and Phase II clinical studies.

The technology was developed through research supported under the TÜBİTAK 1001 Programme.

Intellectual Property

European Patent: EP2622075B1
European Patent Publication: EP2622075A1
International Patent Publication: WO2012044265A1
International Application: PCT/TR2010/000192
Patent Title: Use of miRNAs for the Diagnosis, Prophylaxis, Treatment and Follow-Up of Diseases Involving Macroautophagy Abnormalities
Priority / Filing Date: 27 September 2010
European Publication Date: 7 August 2013
European Patent Grant Date: 2 March 2016
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University
Protection Coverage Reported in the Technology Form: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Türkiye

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently in product/prototype development and is available for licensing. Further development requires translation of the laboratory- and preclinical-stage biological mechanism into a candidate product and delivery formulation suitable for regulated drug development and subsequent clinical evaluation.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Preclinical and clinical development / validation
• Manufacturing and product-development collaboration
• Investment and commercial partnership
• Development programmes aimed at advancing TRL

Potential partners may include biotechnology companies developing RNA therapeutics and oligonucleotide drugs, pharmaceutical companies active in oncology and neurodegenerative diseases, nucleic-acid-delivery technology developers, CROs specialising in preclinical and clinical development, and molecular-diagnostics companies.

Priority areas for joint development include formulation of the miRNAs or their inhibitors using suitable delivery systems, completion of certified toxicity studies, disease-specific preclinical validation, selection of clinical candidates, and development of regulatory-compliant Phase I–II programmes.

Inventors

Inventors: Devrim Gözüaçık, Gözde Korkmaz

Contact

Patent Title: A Polymer-Based Electrolyte And Method For Obtaining The Same
IP Status: Granted European and Japanese patents; published US patent application; filing/protection coverage reported for the United States, Japan, Germany and Türkiye
Technology Area: Solid Polymer Electrolytes / Structural Energy Storage / Supercapacitors / Flexible Energy Systems
TRL: TRL 3

This polyoxazoline-based electrolyte technology combines ionic transport and mechanical strength within the same crosslinked polymer network, enabling energy-storage components to contribute both electrochemical and structural functionality. The adaptable material architecture provides a platform for applications ranging from flexible electronics and wearable devices to structural supercapacitors and multifunctional energy-storage composites.

Technology Overview

The technology is based on a polyoxazoline (POZ) electrolyte crosslinked with epoxy resin to create an ionically conductive and mechanically robust polymer network. Secondary amine groups along the polyoxazoline chains react with epoxy groups to form a three-dimensional structure that simultaneously provides pathways for ion transport and a crosslinked polymer framework capable of contributing mechanical performance.

A proportion of the functional groups along the polymer backbone can be converted into quaternary ammonium groups to introduce ionic functionality into the network. Lithium salts, and where required ionic liquids or suitable solvents, can also be incorporated to facilitate the transport of mobile lithium ions through the interconnected pathways. Ionic conductivity and mechanical behaviour can therefore be tailored through the polymer architecture, crosslinking density and selection of ionic components.

A principal differentiating feature is the ability to address the conventional trade-off between ionic conductivity and mechanical stiffness within a single material architecture. Increasing polymer mobility can improve ion transport but may reduce structural performance, while excessive crosslinking can restrict ionic mobility. The POZ-based system provides control over parameters including molecular weight, chain length, spacing of functional groups and crosslinking density, allowing these two requirements to be engineered together.

The secondary amine groups can react directly with epoxy resins, reducing or eliminating the need for an additional curing agent during formation of the network. Different epoxy crosslinkers can also be selected to modify the spacing between polymer chains and adjust the flexibility and stiffness of the resulting network. This chemical design flexibility supports adaptation of the electrolyte to different structural and flexible energy-storage configurations.

The POZ-based electrolyte may be cast with thin, robust separator films or veils to form ionically conductive prepreg-type structures. This enables the material concept to be considered for wearable and flexible supercapacitors, structural supercapacitors, structural lithium-ion batteries and other multifunctional composite energy-storage systems.

Problem / Market Need

Energy-storage systems used in electric vehicles, aircraft, wearable electronics and portable devices contribute substantial weight and volume while typically serving only an electrochemical function. Batteries and supercapacitors generally do not form part of the primary load-bearing structure, requiring energy-storage and structural components to be designed separately.

Structural energy storage offers an alternative approach in which electrochemical functionality is integrated into mechanically functional composite structures, potentially reducing component duplication and enabling new system architectures. A key technical challenge, however, is that the electrolyte must provide both sufficient ion transport and adequate mechanical performance.

This technology addresses that challenge through a chemically tunable polyoxazoline network designed to balance ionic mobility and mechanical properties. The electrolyte can therefore move beyond a purely passive ion-transport role and become part of a multifunctional structural energy-storage material.

Key Advantages

• Multifunctional polymer network combining ionic conduction and mechanical performance
• Polyoxazoline chemistry allows molecular architecture and crosslinking density to be tailored
• Crosslinking with epoxy resins creates a mechanically robust interconnected network
• Secondary amine groups can reduce or eliminate the need for a separate curing agent
• Ionic transport properties can be adapted through lithium salts and other ionic components
• Network flexibility and stiffness can be tuned using different crosslinkers
• Applicable to flexible and wearable energy-storage systems
• Potential integration into structural supercapacitors, structural batteries and multifunctional composites

Applications

• Structural supercapacitors
• Flexible and wearable supercapacitors
• Structural lithium-ion batteries
• Energy-storage systems using solid polymer electrolytes
• Flexible electronics and wearable devices
• Energy-storage structures integrated into automotive body components
• Multifunctional energy-storage composites for aircraft and aerospace structures
• Load-bearing composite panels with integrated energy-storage functionality

Relevant Industries

• Energy Storage
• Battery and Supercapacitor Technologies
• Automotive and Electric Vehicles
• Aerospace and Aviation
• Advanced Composite Materials
• Flexible Electronics
• Wearable Technologies
• Functional Polymers

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 3

A proof-of-concept study has been completed, demonstrating the feasibility of a polymer-based electrolyte approach with enhanced mechanical structural characteristics and potential applicability to energy-storage systems on flexible substrates.

No physical product prototype has yet been produced. Testing and validation activities remain in progress. The current development stage therefore focuses on laboratory-level development of the material and system concept rather than validated device-, component- or industrial-level performance.

The technology was developed within a TÜBİTAK 1001 research project.

Intellectual Property

European Patent: EP4189764B1
European Patent Publication: EP4189764A1
International Patent Publication: WO2022025832A1
International Application: PCT/TR2020/050662
Japanese Patent: JP7679451B2
US Patent Publication: US20240014441A1
Patent Title: A Polymer-Based Electrolyte And Method For Obtaining The Same
Priority / International Filing Date: 27 July 2020
International Publication Date: 3 February 2022
European Patent Grant Date: 26 June 2024
Japanese Patent Grant Date: 19 May 2025
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University
Protection / Filing Coverage Reported in the Technology Form: United States, Japan, Germany, Türkiye

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the research stage and is available for licensing. Further development requires integration of the material concept into target energy-storage systems and validation through application-specific use cases to advance its technology readiness.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Use-case development to advance TRL

Potential partners may include solid-state and polymer-electrolyte battery developers, supercapacitor manufacturers, organisations working on structural energy storage and multifunctional composites, automotive and aerospace manufacturers, and developers of flexible or wearable electronic systems.

Promising joint-development areas include integration of the electrolyte into practical cell architectures, simultaneous optimisation of mechanical and electrochemical performance, development of flexible or structural energy-storage demonstrators, and TRL advancement through application-specific use cases. Hydrogel-containing formulations may also be explored as a future development route where higher ionic conductivity is required than can be achieved using a fully solid-state formulation.

Inventors

Inventors: Leila Haghighi Poudeh, Mehmet Yıldız, Yusuf Ziya Menceloğlu, Bekir Dizman, Serkan Ünal

Contact

Patent Title: Low-Temperature Method For Boron Carbide Production
IP Status: Granted patents in the United States, South Korea, and Türkiye
Technology Area: Boron Carbide / Advanced Ceramics / Nanomaterials / Radiation Shielding Materials
TRL: TRL 4

This technology enables the production of highly crystalline nano- and submicron-sized boron carbide particles through a fluid-phase and gel-based process operating at approximately 1250–1550 °C. Lower processing temperatures, controlled particle morphology and reduced need for post-production milling provide manufacturing advantages for advanced ceramics, composites and radiation-shielding materials.

Technology Overview

The technology provides a material-synthesis route for producing nano- and submicron-sized boron carbide (B₄C) particles at reduced processing temperatures. The process begins with a fluid mixture containing elemental boron, glycerol and one or more carboxylic acids. Bringing the boron and carbon sources together in a fluid reaction medium promotes more effective interaction at the molecular level and reduces diffusion limitations associated with conventional solid-state production processes.

Controlled heating of the mixture produces a gel intermediate containing B-O-C borate ester bonds. This gel is subsequently converted into a solid intermediate and sintered to form boron carbide particles. The homogeneous interaction of boron and carbon sources within the fluid and gel phases promotes reaction kinetics while facilitating the formation of highly crystalline boron carbide.

A key differentiating feature of the process is that the final sintering stage can be performed at approximately 1250–1550 °C. Conventional boron carbide production routes may require reduction and carburisation temperatures of approximately 1900 °C or higher. Reducing the required processing temperature offers potential for lower energy demand and reduced thermal-process burden.

High-temperature conventional routes can also cause excessive agglomeration, making subsequent milling necessary to obtain fine powders. Milling introduces additional energy consumption and may cause chemical contamination through abrasive wear of metallic or ceramic processing equipment. The technology enables nano- and submicron-scale boron carbide particles to be produced without requiring a separate milling step, supporting improved control over product purity and morphology.

Particle size and morphology can be tailored through process conditions, enabling highly crystalline nano- or submicron powders and structures including platelets, whiskers or rods. Laboratory development has also demonstrated high-purity and high-crystallinity boron carbide below 20 nm using a nucleating approach. The resulting material can be incorporated into advanced ceramics, composites and radiation-shielding systems.

Problem / Market Need

Boron carbide is an important engineering material for advanced ceramics, wear-resistant components, composites and radiation shielding due to its combination of high hardness, low density and boron content. Conventional manufacturing, however, can require very high processing temperatures, increasing both energy consumption and production cost.

High processing temperatures can also promote particle agglomeration and make it difficult to preserve fine particle dimensions. Additional milling may therefore be needed after synthesis, introducing further energy requirements as well as risks related to contamination and particle-quality control.

This technology addresses these challenges by combining boron and carbon sources in a fluid and gel-based reaction environment, providing an alternative route to highly crystalline boron carbide with controlled particle size at substantially reduced processing temperatures.

Key Advantages

• Boron carbide production at approximately 1250–1550 °C
• Potential reduction in energy demand compared with conventional high-temperature production processes
• Production of highly crystalline nano- and submicron-sized boron carbide particles
• Control over particle size and morphology through process parameters
• Reduced or eliminated need for post-production milling
• Reduced risk of chemical contamination originating from milling equipment
• Ability to incorporate lower-cost boron sources into the formulation
• Boron carbide suitable for integration into advanced ceramics, composites and radiation-shielding materials

Applications

• Neutron and gamma radiation-shielding materials
• Lightweight radiation-shielding composites
• Advanced boron carbide ceramics
• Wear-resistant ceramic and composite structures
• Boron-carbide-reinforced polymer, ceramic and other composite systems
• Boron carbide additives for integration into fine-fibre and textile-based protective materials
• Defence and ballistic-protection materials
• Nuclear technology and radiation-protection applications

Relevant Industries

• Advanced Ceramics
• Nanomaterials
• Nuclear Technologies
• Radiation Protection
• Defence
• Advanced Composites
• Technical Textiles and Protective Materials
• Industrial Materials Manufacturing

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The technology has been developed at laboratory scale and boron carbide material has been successfully produced. Current evidence supports laboratory-scale production of high-purity and highly crystalline nanoscale boron carbide. The technology remains at the prototype-development stage, and further scale-up work is required before transition to higher-volume production.

Comparative laboratory testing of radiation-shielding performance is ongoing. Under the reported test conditions, material produced using the patented method absorbed approximately 80 units from an incident radiation level of 100 units, compared with approximately 50 units for the commercial boron carbide system used as the reference.

These results relate to the specific laboratory conditions used. Because parameters including radiation type, energy level, specimen thickness and test geometry have not been supplied as public validation data, the figures should not be interpreted as general product-level performance or a performance guarantee.

An important engineering requirement for scale-up is adaptation of existing furnace designs to the production process. Industrial collaboration with furnace and thermal-processing-equipment manufacturers is therefore relevant to increasing batch size and developing pilot-scale manufacturing capability.

The technology was developed through research supported under the TÜBİTAK 1003 Programme.

Intellectual Property

US Patent: US11912578B2
US Patent Publication: US20210246035A1
International Patent Publication: WO2019240692A1
International Application No.: PCT/TR2018/050310
South Korean Patent: KR102574046B1
Patent Title: Low-Temperature Method For Boron Carbide Production
Priority / International Filing Date: 13 June 2018
International Publication Date: 19 December 2019
US Patent Grant Date: 27 February 2024
Applicants: Sabancı University, SUNUM and Yıldız Technical University
Protection / Filing Coverage: United States, South Korea, Türkiye

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the prototype-development stage and is available for licensing. Scaling the laboratory-validated production route towards higher-volume manufacturing is a key next step in its development.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Partnership in Horizon Europe and other international R&D projects

Potential partners may include boron carbide and advanced ceramic manufacturers, nuclear and radiation-shielding material developers, composite manufacturers, defence-industry companies, and organisations interested in industrial-scale production of nanoscale ceramic powders.

Furnace and thermal-processing-equipment manufacturers are particularly relevant development partners for scaling the synthesis process beyond laboratory volumes. Adaptation of furnace geometry and thermal profiles to the production route represents an important engineering area for pilot production and process scale-up.

Inventors

Inventors: Cengiz Kaya, Figen Kaya

Contact

Patent Title: Polymer-Based Ink Compositions for Use in the Production of Piezoresistive Films
IP Status: Published international patent application; filing/protection coverage in Türkiye and the European Patent route.
Technology Area: Structural Health Monitoring / Piezoresistive Sensors / Functional Inks / Graphene-Based Composites
TRL: TRL 5

This polymer-based piezoresistive ink forms films or sensor strips whose electrical resistance changes under mechanical strain. Applicable to surfaces including concrete, wood and plastics, the technology provides an adaptable platform for monitoring deformation, accumulated structural damage and mechanical interaction across infrastructure, composites, vehicles and robotic systems.

Technology Overview

The technology is a polymer-based ink composition for producing piezoresistive films whose electrical resistance changes in response to mechanical loading or deformation. The ink contains graphene nanoplatelets and graphite powder dispersed within an aqueous polymer matrix. Once applied to a surface and formed into a film, mechanical strain changes the conductive network within the material, allowing deformation to be monitored through electrical-resistance measurements.

Within the material architecture, graphene nanoplatelets contribute to the formation of electrically conductive pathways, while graphite particles provide a supporting framework for these conduction networks. Combining the two carbon-based components enables the formulation to balance film-forming behaviour with electrical and mechanical performance. Patent testing demonstrated that selected compositions maintained their piezoresistive sensitivity during repeated deformation and produced stable conductivity responses for at least 30 loading cycles under the same deformation conditions.

The ink can be deposited using techniques including screen printing and spraying. This processing flexibility allows the sensor to be formed directly on the structure or component being monitored rather than being restricted to a separately manufactured electronic sensor. Laboratory-scale applications have been performed on concrete, wood and plastic substrates, including tests on actual cement-based surfaces. Electrically conductive substrates such as metals require an insulating layer between the sensor and the underlying surface.

The polymer matrix can be adapted using different polymer systems. In addition to polyvinyl alcohol, the patent describes options including PVDF, PLA, PANI, PMMA, PEG, PET and TPU. This provides a material platform that may be tailored not only to rigid structural surfaces but also to flexible or moving systems where piezoresistive sensing is required.

Because the sensing material is supplied as an ink, sensor geometry can be adapted to the target surface and distributed sensing patterns can be created over selected areas. This enables applications ranging from monitoring deformation in buildings and infrastructure to tracking critical regions in composite structures, detecting damage or intervention on vehicle body and chassis components, and providing touch or load sensitivity on robotic surfaces.

Problem / Market Need

Buildings, bridges, composite structures, vehicles and industrial systems experience repeated loading, vibration, mechanical strain and environmental exposure throughout their service lives. Detecting deformation and damage as they develop is important for maintenance planning, safety assessment and reducing the risk of unexpected structural failure.

Conventional point sensors can require numerous individual devices, wiring and installation operations when large or geometrically complex surfaces need to be monitored. Integrating prefabricated sensors onto existing structures or irregular surfaces can also limit placement and sensing coverage.

A polymer-based piezoresistive ink allows the sensing function to be formed directly on the surface being monitored. Sensor strips or films can therefore be designed for different geometries, enabling adaptable and potentially distributed systems for electrically tracking strain, mechanical interaction and structural change.

Key Advantages

• Piezoresistive sensing of mechanical strain and deformation through measurable resistance changes
• Conductive network architecture combining graphene nanoplatelets and graphite
• Patent testing demonstrated retained piezoresistive response for at least 30 repeated deformation cycles
• Can be applied as an ink, film or sensor strip in application-specific geometries
• Compatible with surface-deposition methods including screen printing and spraying
• Demonstrated applicability to different substrates including concrete, wood and plastics
• Potential adaptation to rough surfaces and substrates with different surface chemistries
• Versatile sensing platform spanning structural health monitoring, movement sensing and robotic touch applications

Applications

• Structural health monitoring of buildings and bridges
• Strain and deformation monitoring on concrete and cement-based structures
• Monitoring critical joints and damage zones in composite structures
• Damage or intervention detection on vehicle body panels and chassis structures
• Detection of deformation or impact-related damage in transport and cargo packaging
• Cyclic-load and fatigue monitoring in industrial equipment
• Surface touch and pressure sensing for robotic systems
• Flexible sensors for wearable and motion-monitoring applications
• Surface-applied sensors operating under varying temperature conditions

Relevant Industries

• Construction and Infrastructure
• Structural Health Monitoring
• Automotive
• Aerospace and Composite Structures
• Robotics and Automation
• Smart Sensors and Electronics
• Logistics and Smart Packaging
• Technical Textiles and Wearable Technologies

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

A laboratory-scale prototype has been developed and testing has begun using both ink and strip/film formats. The piezoresistive material has been applied to concrete, wood and plastic surfaces, including evaluation on actual cement-based substrates. Resistance changes under mechanical strain have been demonstrated as a measurable sensing output.

Testing and validation are continuing under different loading conditions and with different substrate materials. In deformation testing disclosed for the patented material, the piezoresistive films retained their sensitivity through at least 30 successive deformation cycles and provided a stable electrical response under repeated loading conditions.

Laboratory studies have also examined the sensor structure across temperatures from -10 °C to 80 °C. These tests contribute to evaluating its potential for operation under varying environmental conditions but do not constitute final field durability validation or product certification.

Because metallic substrates are electrically conductive, use on these surfaces requires an appropriate insulating layer between the sensing film and the underlying material. Direct validation on metallic substrates has not yet been completed.

The technology was developed within a TÜBİTAK 1001 research project.

Intellectual Property

International Patent Publication: WO2025085024A2
International Application No.: PCT/TR2024/051020
Turkish Application: TR2023/013224
Patent Title: Polymer-Based Ink Compositions for Use in the Production of Piezoresistive Films
Priority Date: 17 October 2023
International Filing Date: 4 September 2024
International Publication Date: 24 April 2025
Applicant: Sabancı University
Protection / Filing Coverage: Türkiye, European Patent route

Commercialisation Status

A laboratory-scale prototype is available and the technology is available for licensing. Ongoing development focuses on validating sensor performance across different substrate materials, environmental conditions and target applications.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing

Potential partners may include structural-health-monitoring solution providers, sensor and electronics manufacturers, construction and infrastructure companies, automotive and composite manufacturers, robotics developers, and organisations working on surface-applied functional materials.

Promising areas for joint development include distributed sensor networks for large surfaces, long-term monitoring of loading and damage under field conditions, insulated sensing architectures for metallic substrates, and application-specific pilots in infrastructure, automotive and robotic systems.

Inventors

Inventors: Mehmet Ali Gülgün, Melike Nur Önder, Melih Papila

Contact

Patent Title: A Polymeric Hybrid Material with Photothermal Properties and Production Method Thereof
IP Status: Granted European patent with registered unitary effect; US patent application pending
Technology Area: Photothermal Materials / Functional Polymers / Polydopamine Coatings / Light-to-Heat Technologies
TRL: TRL 4

This polymeric hybrid material uses homogeneous polydopamine coatings on polymer particles to convert absorbed light into heat and impart photothermal functionality to different surfaces and products. Its water-based, adaptable material platform can be processed into multiple forms, supporting scalable applications including surface sterilisation, water evaporation and purification, biofilm control and functional coatings.

Technology Overview

The technology is a polymeric hybrid material and production method in which polymer particles dispersed in an aqueous medium are coated with polydopamine to provide photothermal functionality. Polydopamine absorbs incident light and converts the absorbed energy into heat, enabling polymeric materials that do not inherently exhibit strong photothermal behaviour to generate localised heat when exposed to light.

During production, polymer particles remain homogeneously dispersed and stable in a basic aqueous medium while dopamine monomers undergo oxidative polymerisation at their surfaces. This forms a controlled and homogeneous polydopamine coating around individual polymer particles. Sub-micron polyurethane particles represent an important implementation, while the material concept can also be adapted to other polymer systems suitable for stable aqueous dispersion.

The hybrid material can be used not only as a functional coating but also in the production of films, foams, membranes, adhesives, sponges and fibres. This processing versatility enables photothermal functionality to be incorporated directly into the structure of a final material or product rather than being limited to a specialised standalone photothermal component. Laboratory-scale work has included coating, film and foam formats.

Phase change materials may also be incorporated into the hybrid formulation. This allows light-to-heat conversion provided by the polydopamine component to be combined with thermal-energy-storage or temperature-management functions. The type and proportion of the phase change material can be adapted according to the intended thermal response.

A key development advantage is the ability to translate the photothermal functionality into different material formats with potential for scalable production. Laboratory prototypes have reached temperatures of approximately 200 °C under laser irradiation. A foam-format prototype placed on water has also generated continuous evaporation under irradiation. Together, these characteristics create a common material platform for applications ranging from light-driven surface sterilisation to solar-assisted water purification and desalination.

Problem / Market Need

Photothermal technologies use absorbed light to produce localised heat and can enable processes such as surface sterilisation, water treatment and thermal management without a conventional external heating element. For these technologies to move into practical products, however, the active material must be stable, homogeneous, compatible with different geometries and suitable for scalable integration into manufacturing processes.

Photothermal materials that are restricted to specialised particles or specific substrates may be difficult to incorporate into practical end products. This technology directly imparts photothermal functionality to polymer particles and allows that functionality to be transferred into industrially relevant forms such as coatings, films, foams, membranes and fibres.

The approach is therefore particularly relevant to applications requiring light-activated sterilising surfaces, biofilm control or solar-driven water evaporation, where the photothermal function can be incorporated directly into the material rather than added as a separate heating component.

Key Advantages

• Direct light-to-heat conversion functionality imparted to polymeric materials
• Homogeneous and controlled polydopamine coating of individual polymer particles
• Water-based production approach with stable particle dispersion
• Compatibility with coatings, films, foams, membranes, adhesives, sponges and fibres
• Photothermal functionality can be integrated directly into the final material structure
• Potential integration with phase change materials for additional thermal-energy-management functionality
• Adaptable and potentially scalable material platform for different products and geometries
• Potential use across light-triggered processes including sterilisation, water evaporation and biofilm control

Applications

• Light-activated surface sterilisation
• Functional surfaces for bacterial and biofilm control
• Solar-driven water evaporation and purification
• Photothermal membranes and foams for desalination
• Photothermal coatings and functional films
• Thermal-energy-management materials incorporating phase change materials
• Photothermal membranes, fibres, sponges and composite materials
• Functional surfaces and products requiring light-controlled local heating

Relevant Industries

• Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology
• Polymers and Coatings
• Water Treatment and Desalination
• Healthcare, Hygiene and Sterilisation Technologies
• Membrane Technologies
• Energy and Thermal Management
• Technical Textiles and Functional Surfaces

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The technology has been produced at laboratory scale, with prototypes prepared in different formats including coatings, films and foams. Laboratory-scale testing has been performed to evaluate the photothermal behaviour of these prototypes.

During laboratory studies, the material reached temperatures of approximately 200 °C under laser irradiation. This value relates to the specific laboratory test conditions used; because parameters such as irradiation intensity, wavelength and test geometry have not been supplied as public validation data, it should not be interpreted as a general application-level performance value.

A foam-format prototype placed on the surface of water demonstrated continuous evaporation under irradiation. The technology has also been investigated for reducing bacterial and biofilm formation on surfaces. Current evidence relates to laboratory-scale development, and industrial validation has not yet been reported.

Intellectual Property

US Patent Publication: US20240110058A1
US Application No.: US18/276,455
European Patent: EP4291599B1
International Application: PCT/TR2022/050136
Patent Title: A Polymeric Hybrid Material With Photothermal Properties And Production Method Thereof
Priority Date: 22 February 2021
International Filing Date: 16 February 2022
US Publication Date: 4 April 2024
European Patent Grant Date: 19 June 2024
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University & SUNUM
Protection / Filing Coverage: Türkiye, United States, Unitary Patent and Spain

Commercialisation Status

Laboratory-scale prototypes are available and the technology is available for licensing. Further development opportunities include scaling the adaptable photothermal material platform and validating its performance in target application environments.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing

Potential partners may include functional polymer and coating manufacturers, membrane-technology companies, water-treatment and desalination solution providers, sterilisation and hygiene technology developers, and companies working on light-activated functional surfaces or thermal-management materials.

Promising areas for joint development include scaling the laboratory-demonstrated photothermal effect to larger surfaces and continuous manufacturing processes, validating coating, film and foam formats under application-relevant conditions, and conducting pilot studies in target uses such as water treatment and antibacterial surfaces.

Inventors

Inventors: Hayriye Ünal, Serkan Ünal, Cüneyt Erdinç Taş

Contact

Patent Title: Non-Catalytic Sol-Gel Method for Production of Boron Carbide Nanofiber
IP Status: Patent application; protection coverage in Türkiye
Technology Area: Boron Carbide / Nanofibers / Advanced Ceramics / Radiation Shielding Materials
TRL: TRL 4

This non-catalytic sol-gel technology enables the production of boron carbide nanofibers with controlled one-dimensional morphology, high crystallinity and reduced processing temperature. The resulting lightweight B₄C nanostructures provide a promising material platform for flexible and wearable radiation shielding as well as aerospace, space, nuclear and defence applications.

Technology Overview

The technology provides a sol-gel route for producing boron carbide (B₄C) nanofibers without the use of metallic catalysts. The process begins with a mixture containing carboxylic acid, glycerol and elemental boron nanoparticles. Following gel formation, the material undergoes controlled pyrolysis and subsequent high-temperature treatment to form boron carbide nanofibers.

A key technical distinction is the ability to produce elongated, one-dimensional boron carbide structures without catalysts such as cobalt or nickel. Eliminating metallic catalysts also avoids the need for subsequent acid washing or similar purification processes used to remove catalyst residues. This reduces the risk of catalyst-derived impurities while avoiding additional chemical treatment that may affect the boron carbide itself.

Control of precursor composition and thermal-processing conditions enables the morphology of boron carbide to be directed away from conventional equiaxed particles towards thin, elongated nano- and micro-fibrous structures. This ability to control morphology, composition and crystallinity provides an important material-design advantage for advanced composites and functional protective systems.

The final thermal treatment can be conducted at approximately 1450–1550 °C. Compared with high-temperature boron carbide production routes operating at temperatures around 2500 °C, this can reduce the required processing temperature by up to approximately 1000 °C. Combined with the elimination of catalyst-removal steps, the process offers potential reductions in energy demand, chemical use and process complexity.

The nanofiber morphology is particularly relevant to the development of lightweight and flexible radiation-shielding composites. Boron carbide combines relatively low density with a high boron content, while the fibrous morphology creates opportunities for integration into polymeric, composite and textile-type structures suitable for wearable or geometrically flexible shielding systems.

Problem / Market Need

Radiation shielding systems frequently rely on lead and other high-density, heavy-metal-based materials. Their weight can represent a significant design limitation in applications such as personal protective equipment, aircraft and spacecraft, where mass and mobility are critical. Heavy-metal-based systems may also introduce additional requirements related to material handling, processing and end-of-life management.

Boron carbide provides an alternative material platform for developing lower-density radiation-shielding composites. The ability to manufacture B₄C in controlled fibrous forms is particularly relevant where the shielding material must be incorporated into flexible composites, wearable equipment or structures with complex geometries.

The technology also addresses manufacturing challenges associated with boron carbide nanostructures, including high processing temperatures, metallic catalyst use and post-production purification. Its non-catalytic sol-gel approach provides an alternative production route while maintaining control over the morphology of the resulting B₄C structures.

Key Advantages

• One-dimensional boron carbide nanofiber production without metallic catalysts
• Final heat treatment at approximately 1450–1550 °C, enabling lower processing temperatures
• Avoidance of catalyst-derived impurities
• No requirement for acid washing or similar catalyst-removal processes
• Control over nanofiber size, morphology, composition and crystallinity
• Material architecture suitable for lightweight and flexible radiation-shielding composites
• Potential integration into polymeric and textile-based protective systems
• Potential reduction in energy demand, chemical use and process complexity

Applications

• Lightweight and flexible radiation-shielding materials
• Personal radiation-protection equipment
• Protective garments for pilots and astronauts
• Radiation protection for satellites and space systems
• Protective materials for nuclear facilities and nuclear technologies
• Radiation-shielded electronic equipment and enclosures
• Advanced composites for aerospace and defence applications
• Boron-carbide-based functional textiles and fibre-reinforced composites

Relevant Industries

• Aerospace and Space
• Nuclear Technologies
• Defence
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Advanced Ceramics
• Nanomaterials
• Technical Textiles
• Advanced Composite Materials

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4

The boron carbide nanofiber production process has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions, and testing supporting TRL 4 has been completed. Development work is continuing towards higher technology-readiness levels.

For radiation-shielding applications, a fabric-format trial sample approximately the size of an A4 sheet, around 210 × 297 mm, has been produced. Laboratory testing showed approximately 80% absorption of the radiation source using material with a thickness of 2 microns. This result relates to the specific laboratory conditions used, and no direct performance comparison with lead or other commercial shielding materials has been established.

The current work demonstrates the potential for integrating the nanofibers into lightweight and flexible protective systems. Future development may include forms that can be directly woven or integrated into textile structures in a manner comparable to carbon-fibre fabrics.

The technology has been developed within a TÜBİTAK-supported research activity.

Intellectual Property

International Patent Publication: WO2022144085A1
International Application No.: PCT/EP2020/088063
Patent Title: Non-Catalytic Sol-Gel Method for Production of Boron Carbide Nanofiber
Filing Date: 30 December 2020
Publication Date: 7 July 2022
Applicants: Sabancı University and Yıldız Technical University
Protection Coverage: Türkiye

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the prototype-development stage and is available for licensing. Ongoing development focuses on advancing the production process towards higher technology-readiness levels and further developing performance in target applications, particularly radiation shielding.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Investment and commercial partnership
• Partnership in Horizon Europe and other international R&D projects

Potential partners may include radiation-shielding material manufacturers, technical-textile and personal-protective-equipment producers, advanced ceramic and composite companies, aerospace and space organisations, nuclear-technology companies and defence-industry manufacturers.

Promising areas for joint development include scalable integration of the nanofibers into textile or polymer matrices, validation of radiation-shielding performance under application-relevant conditions, and development of pilot-scale manufacturing processes.

Inventors

Inventors: Cengiz Kaya, Figen Kaya

Contact

Patent Title: Flow System for Avoiding Particle Agglomeration
IP Status: Granted European Patent (EP3365627B1); patent coverage in the United States and Türkiye
Technology Area: Nanotechnology, Microfluidics, Hydrodynamic Cavitation and Thermal Management
TRL: TRL 4

This hydrodynamic cavitation-based microfluidic system is designed to reduce nanoparticle agglomeration and maintain particle dispersion in nanofluids. Its reusable device architecture enables the physical processing of nanoparticle-containing liquids, offering a potential solution for improving nanofluid stability in advanced cooling, heat transfer and nanoparticle processing applications.

Technology Overview

Nanofluids are engineered liquids containing dispersed nanoparticles, offering opportunities for advanced heat transfer and fluid-based technologies. However, maintaining a stable nanoparticle distribution remains a challenge, particularly when fluids undergo repeated circulation or thermal cycling. Over time, nanoparticles may form larger agglomerates, affecting fluid stability and potentially compromising system performance. This microfluidic system addresses the challenge through a controlled physical deagglomeration process.

The technology uses hydrodynamic cavitation generated within specially designed flow-restrictive microchannels. As a nanofluid passes through a narrow flow section and undergoes sudden expansion, local pressure changes induce the formation of cavitation bubbles. The subsequent collapse of these bubbles produces localized physical effects that help break apart nanoparticle agglomerates and redistribute particles within the carrier liquid.

The system incorporates flow-restrictive elements with heating arrangements positioned near the cavitation region. Depending on the configuration, the design may include thin-film heaters, plasmonic materials and plasmonic near-field radiative heat transfer mechanisms. These features provide additional control over the thermal and flow conditions associated with cavitation and nanoparticle dispersion.

Unlike approaches that depend extensively on surfactants or chemical surface modifiers, the system primarily exploits physical effects associated with fluid flow and cavitation. This offers an alternative route to managing nanoparticle agglomeration while reducing reliance on additional chemical dispersants. Its reusable device architecture is particularly relevant to applications involving repeated processing or circulation of nanoparticle-containing liquids.

An initial prototype was fabricated using silicon-based microfabrication techniques and operated under laboratory conditions. The device architecture also offers potential for adaptation to alternative manufacturing approaches, including additive manufacturing and polymer-based fabrication. These options may support the development of application-specific devices with different operating requirements, flow capacities and geometries.

Problem / Market Need

Nanoparticle agglomeration is a significant technical barrier to the wider practical use of nanofluids. Repeated circulation, heating and changes in operating conditions can encourage nanoparticles to form larger clusters. This may reduce dispersion uniformity, affect heat transfer characteristics, obstruct narrow flow channels and contribute to particle deposition on internal system surfaces.

Conventional stabilisation strategies frequently involve surfactants or chemical surface treatments. Although these approaches can improve dispersion, additional chemicals may affect fluid properties or introduce formulation and processing considerations for particular applications.

There is therefore a technical need for approaches that can restore nanoparticle dispersion during fluid processing. This system addresses that need by using controlled cavitation to break up particle agglomerates, potentially supporting more consistent fluid characteristics during repeated operation.

Key Advantages

• Hydrodynamic nanoparticle deagglomeration: Uses the physical effects of cavitation bubble formation and collapse to disperse agglomerated nanoparticles.
• Reduced reliance on chemical dispersants: Provides a physical alternative to extensive surfactant-based stabilisation approaches.
• Support for nanofluid stability: Helps maintain nanoparticle dispersion by addressing the formation of larger particle clusters.
• Reusable device architecture: Enables nanoparticle-containing liquids to be processed through the device during repeated operation.
• Relevance to heat transfer applications: Supports the management of nanoparticle dispersion in fluids intended for thermal management systems.
• Compact microfluidic design: Uses flow-restrictive elements to generate cavitation under controlled flow conditions.
• Manufacturing adaptability: Offers opportunities to investigate additive manufacturing and polymer-based fabrication alongside established microfabrication methods.

Applications

• Nanofluid preparation and re-dispersion: Breaking up nanoparticle agglomerates and improving particle distribution in carrier liquids.
• Electronics cooling: Nanofluid-based thermal management and cooling configurations.
• Heat exchangers and thermal management: Applications where stable nanoparticle dispersion is relevant to heat transfer processes.
• Refrigeration and air conditioning: Cooling systems that incorporate nanoparticle-containing working fluids.
• Microreactors and microfluidic processes: Small-scale fluid systems requiring controlled nanoparticle distribution.
• Nanoparticle processing: Flow-based treatment and research applications involving particle deagglomeration.

Relevant Industries

• Nanotechnology and advanced materials
• Thermal management and heat transfer equipment
• Electronics and electronic cooling systems
• HVAC and refrigeration technologies
• Microfluidics and laboratory equipment
• Industrial fluid processing technologies
• Energy systems and advanced cooling applications

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

The technology is currently assessed at TRL 4. A physical prototype has been developed using silicon-based microfabrication methods and operated under laboratory conditions. The prototype provides a basis for evaluating nanoparticle deagglomeration through hydrodynamic cavitation.

Experimental investigations have examined changes in nanoparticle agglomerate size and the effects of cavitation within nanofluids. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements provide technical data relevant to assessing nanoparticle agglomeration and the operating principle of the system.

Laboratory activities supporting the current technology readiness level have been completed, while additional testing and validation activities remain in progress. Further development may focus on evaluating performance under application-specific operating conditions and investigating alternative manufacturing approaches before wider industrial implementation.

Intellectual Property

The technology is protected by the granted European patent EP3365627B1. The corresponding patent family also includes the granted US patent US10837604B2. Patent coverage includes the United States and Türkiye.

Priority Date: 22 October 2015
European Patent Application: EP15823213.2
European Patent Grant Date: 10 July 2019
Patent Assignees: Sabancı University and Özyeğin University

Patent Title: Polymeric Composition Containing a Phase Change Material
IP Status: Patent applications in Türkiye and through the European Patent route
Technology Area: Cold Chain / Phase Change Materials / Polymeric Films / Thermal Packaging Technologies
TRL: 5

This technology integrates phase change materials into a flexible polymeric film, creating a thin thermal packaging structure that can be applied directly around cold-chain products. By embedding thermal protection within the packaging itself, it offers a compact alternative to separate cooling pads, ice packs and other bulky thermal components.

Technology Overview

This technology is a functional packaging material in which phase change materials are carried within halloysite nanotubes and incorporated into a thermoplastic polymer matrix. During solid-to-liquid phase transition, the phase change material absorbs heat from its surroundings and acts as a thermal buffer against temperature increases, helping products remain cool for a longer period.

Halloysite nanotubes serve as nanoscale carriers for the phase change materials. This approach facilitates the integration of phase change materials that may otherwise be liquid at room temperature into a polymeric structure, while also helping address potential leakage during use. Different phase change materials with different melting points may be selected to tailor the thermal response to specific temperature ranges.

The polymeric composition can be manufactured as a flexible film. The system can be used with polyethylene as well as other thermoplastics including polypropylene, PET, polyamide, polystyrene, PVC and polycarbonate. Phase-change-material-loaded halloysite nanotubes may be dispersed throughout the polymer film or applied as a coating on its surface.

Halloysite nanotubes can also provide an additional barrier effect by creating a more tortuous path for molecules moving through the polymer. This can contribute to reduced permeation of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene as well as moisture and odours, adding barrier functionality alongside thermal buffering.

A key differentiating feature is the integration of thermal protection directly into a flexible packaging film rather than relying exclusively on separate pads, ice packs or rigid thermal elements. Food cold-chain studies have been performed using polymer films approximately 15–20 microns thick, with the material maintaining cooling for up to 30 minutes. The flexible format also supports adaptation to different product geometries and packaging processes.

Problem / Market Need

Maintaining the cold chain during transportation of food, medicines, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products is critical to product quality, safety and shelf life. Conventional solutions often rely on ice packs, thermal pads, foam insulation, cardboard structures or dedicated transportation containers. These additional components may increase packaging volume and may not easily conform to products with different shapes and dimensions.

This technology integrates thermal buffering directly into the polymeric packaging structure, offering a more compact and adaptable approach. It can provide an additional thermal buffer against unexpected temperature increases or short interruptions in cold-chain conditions during transportation and handling.

Key Advantages

• Thermal-buffering functionality integrated directly into flexible packaging film
• Potential to reduce dependence on separate cooling pads, ice packs or similar thermal components
• Thin and flexible format that can conform to different product geometries
• Controlled incorporation of phase change materials through halloysite nanotube carriers
• Thermal response can be tailored through phase change materials with different melting temperatures
• Compatibility with polyethylene and a range of common thermoplastic polymers
• Additional gas and moisture barrier potential provided by the nanotube structure
• Cooling maintained for up to 30 minutes in food-related experimental studies

Applications

• Cold-chain food packaging
• Thermal packaging for medicines and vaccines
• Transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive medical products
• Flexible thermal packaging films
• Stretch-film-type industrial packaging applications
• Thermal coatings for rigid packaging surfaces or multilayer structures

Relevant Industries

• Food and Beverage
• Cold-Chain Logistics
• Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Logistics
• Medical Products
• Packaging and Polymer Industry
• Advanced Materials

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

Laboratory studies have been performed for food cold-chain applications using polymeric films approximately 15–20 microns thick. These studies demonstrated cooling retention for up to 30 minutes. Product-level development and final application validation have not yet been completed.

Prototype development for broader cold-chain applications is ongoing. Dedicated validation for heat-retention applications has not been performed.

Intellectual Property

European Patent Publication: EP4127048A1
Patent Title: Polymeric Composition Containing a Phase Change Material
Priority Date: 26 March 2020
European Filing Date: 25 March 2021
European Publication Date: 8 February 2023
Applicant: Sabancı University
Protection Coverage: Türkiye, European Patent route

Commercialisation Status

The technology is at the prototype stage and is available for licensing.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing

Potential partners may include flexible-packaging and polymer-film manufacturers, food-packaging companies, cold-chain logistics providers, pharmaceutical and vaccine transportation solution developers, and manufacturers working with thermal-management materials.

The material's thermal-energy-management capability may also provide a basis for future exploration in areas such as functional textiles and thermal management for electronics and data-centre environments.

Inventors

Inventors: Hayriye Ünal, Cüneyt Erdinç Taş

Contact

Patent Title: Food Packaging Material with Antibacterial, Ethylene Scavenging, and Barrier Properties
IP Status: Granted US patent; protection in Türkiye and the United States
Technology Area: Active Food Packaging / Nanomaterials / Polymeric Films / Food Preservation Technologies
TRL: 5

An active packaging technology integrating halloysite nanotubes into polymeric films to combine antibacterial activity, ethylene scavenging and enhanced gas-barrier performance within a single material platform, helping slow food deterioration and extend the shelf life of fresh products.

Technology Overview

This technology provides a multifunctional active packaging platform based on the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) into polymeric packaging films. Halloysite is a naturally occurring clay mineral with a hollow nanotubular structure. Within the packaging material, the nanotubes can function simultaneously as nanocarriers for active substances, scavengers for selected gases and functional fillers that improve barrier performance.

One of the key features of the technology is the ability to load halloysite nanotubes with natural antibacterial substances such as thyme oil and their active components. The tubular structure can retain these active agents and support their controlled release within the packaging environment. This transforms the packaging from a passive physical barrier into an active material capable of contributing to the suppression of microbial deterioration.

Empty halloysite nanotubes also provide ethylene-scavenging functionality. Ethylene is naturally released by many fruits and vegetables and accelerates ripening and subsequent deterioration. Reducing ethylene levels within the packaging environment can therefore contribute to extending the storage life of fresh produce.

The dispersed nanotubes additionally act as functional nanofillers that increase the pathway that gas molecules must travel through the polymer film. This helps reduce gas permeation and enhance the barrier performance of the packaging. Combining antibacterial activity, ethylene scavenging and barrier enhancement within the same material system is one of the technology's main differentiating features.

The technology can be adapted to common packaging polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Halloysite nanotubes can be incorporated into the polymer through conventional mixing processes or applied to polymer films through coating approaches, providing flexibility for integration into different packaging manufacturing routes.

Problem / Market Need

The shelf life of fresh and processed foods is influenced not only by exposure to atmospheric gases and moisture but also by microbial activity and the food product's own metabolic processes. In fruits and vegetables, ethylene accelerates ripening, while microbial growth can reduce product quality and safety.

Conventional packaging primarily functions as a passive protective barrier, while providing multiple preservation functions can require additional materials, multilayer structures or separate active components. This technology combines antibacterial activity, ethylene scavenging and gas-barrier enhancement within a single polymeric packaging platform.

Key Advantages

• Combines antibacterial, ethylene-scavenging and barrier functions within a single packaging material
• Active removal of ethylene associated with accelerated ripening of fruits and vegetables
• Halloysite nanotubes can carry natural antibacterial agents such as thyme oil
• Nanotubular structure supports controlled release of active antibacterial components
• Enhanced gas-barrier performance through the nanofiller effect of halloysite nanotubes
• Compatible with common packaging polymers including polyethylene and polypropylene
• Adaptable to both polymer-mixing and film-coating manufacturing approaches
• Potential to contribute to reduced food deterioration and longer product shelf life

Applications

• Fresh fruit and vegetable packaging
• Active and functional food packaging
• Antibacterial packaging films
• Ethylene-scavenging packaging systems
• Shelf-life extension solutions
• Polymeric films with enhanced gas-barrier properties
• Ethylene-control solutions for storage and transportation of cut flowers
• Non-food polymer films requiring odour control and antibacterial functionality

Relevant Industries

• Food Packaging
• Packaging and Polymer Industry
• Food Technologies
• Agriculture and Post-Harvest Technologies
• Nanomaterials
• Active and Intelligent Packaging
• Floriculture and Cold-Chain Applications

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

A laboratory-scale prototype has been developed and validation activities have been completed. Studies have evaluated the ethylene-scavenging, antibacterial and barrier functions introduced through halloysite nanotubes in polymeric packaging structures. Active packaging functionality has also been demonstrated through the incorporation of natural antibacterial agents into the nanotubes, and the technology is currently at the industrial validation stage.

The technology was developed as an output of a TÜBİTAK 1003 project and subsequently became the subject of academic research and publications.

Intellectual Property

US Patent: US9332751B2
Patent Title: Food Packaging Material with Antibacterial, Ethylene Scavenging and Barrier Properties
Priority Date: 9 July 2014
US Filing Date: 9 July 2015
Grant / Publication Date: 10 May 2016
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University
Protection: Türkiye, United States

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the industrial validation stage and is available for licensing.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing

Potential partners may include food-packaging manufacturers, flexible-packaging and polymer-film producers, fresh-produce supply-chain companies, active-packaging technology developers and food manufacturers seeking solutions for extended product shelf life.

Although the technology has primarily been developed for food packaging, its ethylene-scavenging and controlled-release antibacterial functions may also be adapted to other applications. Potential examples include storage of cut flowers and specialised polymer films where odour management and microbial control are important.

Inventors

Inventors: Hayriye Unal, Serkan Unal, Yusuf Ziya Menceloglu, Fevzi Cakmak Cebeci

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Patent Title: Wearable graphene textile-based electro-ocular monitoring and object interaction system
IP Status: Granted US patent
Technology Area: Wearable Technologies / Graphene Textiles / Biosignal Monitoring / Human–Machine Interaction
TRL: 6

A graphene-textile electrode technology enabling comfortable, gel-free and wearable acquisition of biopotential signals, providing an alternative to conventional electrodes for long-term monitoring while opening new possibilities for eye-movement-driven human–machine interaction.

Technology Overview

This technology provides a wearable sensing platform for acquiring biopotential signals through graphene-coated textile electrodes. Its primary implementation focuses on electrooculography (EOG), capturing electrical signals generated by eye movements and converting these signals into commands that can be used for human–computer and human–machine interaction.

The system replaces conventional gel-based wet electrodes with dry textile electrodes that can be integrated into a headband or other wearable textile structures. This allows the sensing elements to become part of a flexible wearable surface rather than relying on separate rigid electrodes and conductive gels.

The conductive textiles can be produced by coating common fabrics such as nylon, cotton and polyester with graphene-based conductive layers. Biopotential signals collected from the textile electrodes are conditioned, filtered and digitally processed. Characteristic signal patterns associated with blinking, gaze direction and different eye movements can then be classified and converted into control commands for computers, electronic devices or other machines.

In the EOG configuration, a simplified architecture using three graphene textile electrodes and a single signal channel achieved 97% convergence with standard AgCl electrodes. Optimised electrode positioning and reduced electrode count support a more compact and wearable sensing architecture.

The broader development objective is to transfer functions traditionally performed by clinical and laboratory biosignal electrodes into textile-based wearable systems. Current development activities extend beyond EOG toward wearable acquisition of other physiological signals, with ECG, EEG and EMG among the potential applications of the textile electrode platform.

Problem / Market Need

Conventional Ag/AgCl wet electrodes commonly used for biopotential monitoring require conductive gel to maintain electrical contact with the skin. Over time, the gel can dehydrate and degrade electrode performance, requiring electrode replacement or reapplication. Prolonged use may also cause discomfort, skin irritation and other usability limitations, reducing their suitability for continuous, everyday and unsupervised monitoring.

Graphene textile electrodes integrate biosignal acquisition directly into wearable surfaces, creating a flexible and gel-free alternative for longer-term monitoring. The platform also provides a bridge between physiological monitoring, smart textiles and human–machine interaction.

Key Advantages

• Gel-free dry graphene-textile electrode architecture
• Direct integration of sensing electrodes into fabrics and wearable products
• Wearable form factor suitable for extended biosignal monitoring
• EOG acquisition and automatic classification of eye movements
• Simplified EOG architecture using three electrodes and a single signal channel
• 97% convergence with standard AgCl electrodes
• Graphene coating approach applicable to common textiles including nylon, cotton and polyester
• Conversion of detected biosignals into commands for human–machine interaction

Applications

• Wearable biosignal monitoring
• Electrooculography and eye-movement tracking
• Human–computer and human–machine interfaces
• Hands-free control of computers and electronic devices
• Assistive technologies and accessibility solutions
• Smart textiles and electronic textiles
• Long-term physiological monitoring
• Wearable electrode platforms for ECG, EEG and EMG applications

Relevant Industries

• Wearable Technologies
• Medical Technologies
• Digital Health
• Smart Textiles
• Human–Machine Interfaces
• Assistive Technologies
• Consumer Electronics

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 6

Functional prototypes have demonstrated the use of graphene textile electrodes for wearable biosignal acquisition. EOG signals have been acquired through a wearable headband and different eye-movement patterns have been detected and classified. Human testing and validation activities for broader biosignal-monitoring applications are continuing within ongoing development work.

Intellectual Property

US Patent: US10824230B1
Patent Title: Wearable graphene textile-based electro-ocular monitoring and object interaction system
Priority Date: 19 July 2019
US Filing Date: 19 July 2019
Grant / Publication Date: 3 November 2020
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University

A Turkish patent application relating to the same invention is also recorded.

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the industrial validation stage and is available for licensing. Establishment of a spin-off company for further commercialisation is planned.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Investment and commercial partnership

Potential partners may include wearable technology and smart-textile manufacturers, medical-device developers, digital-health companies, biosignal-monitoring solution providers, human–machine interface developers and organisations developing next-generation textile-based sensor platforms.

Inventors

Inventors: Murat Kaya Yapici, Ata Jedari Golparvar

Contact

IP Status: Granted European patent
Technology Area: Technical Ceramics / Advanced Materials / Ceramic Manufacturing Technologies
TRL: 6

A coagulation-based ceramic dough technology designed to simplify green machining of technical ceramics through room-temperature processing and lower machining-force requirements, offering the potential to reduce energy demand while enabling precise shaping before sintering.

Technology Overview

This technology introduces a coagulation-based ceramic dough formulation developed to facilitate green machining of technical ceramics before sintering. The formulation combines a linear copolymer based on acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), water, and metal oxide ceramic nanoparticles at controlled concentrations. The technology can be applied to metal oxide ceramic systems including alumina, magnesium oxide, and yttria-stabilized zirconia.

The core mechanism relies on polymer bridging between ceramic nanoparticles to produce uniform coagulation. This structure provides the ceramic dough with sufficient elasticity and malleability despite its high ceramic content, enabling green bodies to be shaped and machined at room temperature. Processes such as milling, cutting, and laser cutting can therefore be performed before the ceramic component is sintered.

A key value proposition of the technology is the simplification of ceramic machining through lower-force, room-temperature processing. Green ceramic dough requires lower machining forces than fully sintered ceramic components, while the formulation can be processed without elevated temperature. Together, these characteristics create the potential to reduce process energy requirements while simplifying the manufacture of complex ceramic geometries.

The formulation also uses a relatively low concentration of copolymer while maintaining a high ceramic nanoparticle content. This reduces dependence on large quantities of organic binders, dispersants, and other processing additives. As a result, the need for complex binder-removal procedures during sintering can be reduced, helping simplify the overall manufacturing process.

Ceramic dough scraps generated during green machining can be reconditioned by adding water and reused in the process. This feature creates additional opportunities to improve material efficiency and reduce production waste.

Problem / Market Need

Fully sintered technical ceramics are highly hard and brittle, making final-stage machining difficult and potentially increasing machining forces, tool wear, cracking risk, and overall production costs. For complex ceramic components, shaping and machining the material before sintering can therefore provide significant manufacturing advantages.

Conventional approaches for producing machinable green ceramic bodies may require high levels of organic binders and processing additives, pressure-based forming equipment, specialised processing setups, or additional temperature-controlled stages. This technology addresses these limitations by providing a ceramic dough that can be shaped and machined at room temperature with low additive levels, simplifying green machining and offering the potential for lower process energy requirements.

Key Advantages

• Potentially lower process energy requirements through room-temperature green machining
• Lower machining-force requirements compared with machining fully sintered ceramic components
• Suitable for pre-sintering milling, cutting, and laser machining
• High ceramic nanoparticle content with relatively low copolymer concentration
• Reduced need for complex binder-removal procedures
• Reuse of machining scraps through the addition of water
• Applicable to alumina, zirconia, magnesium oxide, and other technical ceramic systems
• Ability to machine fine details and complex geometries in the green state

Applications

• Technical ceramic component manufacturing
• Green machining of ceramics
• Ceramic rapid prototyping
• Production of complex and high-precision ceramic geometries
• Alumina-based technical ceramics
• Zirconia and other metal oxide ceramic applications
• Ceramic shaping through milling and laser cutting

Relevant Industries

• Technical Ceramics
• Advanced Materials
• Precision Manufacturing
• Medical and Dental Technologies
• Energy Technologies
• Electronics and High-Temperature Applications

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 6

Laboratory prototypes have been developed and experimental studies have been completed using several technical ceramic materials, particularly alumina. These studies provide technical validation of the formulation’s shaping and green-machining capabilities, while the technology is currently progressing through industrial validation.

Intellectual Property

European Patent: EP4355712B1
Patent Title: Preparation of ceramic doughs through coagulation, for green machining
Priority Date: 18 June 2021
European Filing Date: 16 June 2022
Grant Publication Date: 2 October 2024
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the industrial validation stage and is available for licensing.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Joint production and manufacturing collaboration

Potential partners may include technical ceramic manufacturers, advanced materials companies, precision ceramic component producers, ceramic machining technology providers, and industrial companies using high-performance ceramic components.

Inventors

Inventors: Ozge Akbulut, Omid Akhlaghi Baghoojari, Lyn Zemberekci, Gizem Demir

Contact

IP Status: Granted in DE, ES, TR
Technology Area: Automotive Engineering / Composite Materials / Vehicle Suspension
TRL: 5

A multi-stage composite leaf spring system designed to provide progressive suspension response under varying vehicle loads, while reducing unsprung mass and addressing friction, wear, and corrosion-related limitations associated with conventional metal leaf spring systems.

Technology Overview

This technology introduces a multi-stage leaf spring system developed for vehicle suspension applications. Unlike conventional metal leaf spring configurations, the system employs multiple fiber-reinforced composite leaf springs with different stiffness characteristics working together. Rather than being stacked vertically, the spring elements are positioned substantially side by side, enabling different spring stages to engage in response to changing vehicle loads and road conditions.

The core concept is to provide a suspension system with a more adaptable mechanical response across different operating scenarios. As vehicle load or road input changes, different spring stages can become active, allowing the suspension to respond progressively rather than relying on a single fixed stiffness characteristic. This approach is intended to support more controlled suspension behaviour under varying loading conditions.

The use of fiber-reinforced composite materials also offers the potential for a lighter structure compared with conventional metallic leaf springs. In addition, the side-by-side arrangement is designed to reduce the contact, friction, and associated wear that can occur between vertically stacked spring elements. The system can be adapted through changes in spring geometry, dimensions, material properties, and stiffness according to the requirements of a specific vehicle platform.

The technology can be configured for a range of transportation applications, including passenger vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles, rail vehicles, and specialised defence platforms. Its combination of lightweight composite construction, progressive mechanical response, and configurable design makes it a promising solution for manufacturers developing advanced and application-specific suspension systems.

Problem / Market Need

Conventional metal leaf spring systems can contribute significantly to vehicle unsprung mass and may offer limited adaptability across changing load and road conditions. In traditional stacked leaf spring arrangements, contact between individual spring elements can also lead to friction and wear over time. Metallic components may additionally be affected by corrosion and other environmental conditions.

The patented system addresses these limitations through a multi-stage composite architecture in which springs with different stiffness characteristics engage progressively according to vehicle load and road input.

Key Advantages

• Potential reduction in unsprung mass through the use of fiber-reinforced composite leaf springs
• Progressive suspension response enabled by spring stages with different stiffness characteristics
• Reduced friction and wear associated with conventional vertically stacked leaf spring arrangements
• Potentially improved resistance to corrosion and environmental effects compared with metallic spring systems
• Modular architecture adaptable to different vehicle platforms and suspension requirements
• Spring geometry, material selection, and stiffness characteristics can be tailored to specific applications

Applications

• Passenger vehicle suspension systems
• Light commercial vehicles
• Heavy commercial vehicles and trucks
• Rail vehicle suspension systems
• Armoured personnel carriers and specialised vehicle platforms

Relevant Industries

• Automotive
• Commercial Vehicles
• Rail Transportation
• Defence Vehicles
• Composite Materials and Components
• Suspension System Manufacturing

Technology Readiness Level & Validation

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 5

A functional prototype of the multi-stage spring system has been developed and evaluated using a dedicated test fixture designed to replicate vehicle chassis conditions. The testing provided an initial validation of the system’s mechanical performance under representative loading scenarios, while full vehicle-level testing is planned as the next stage of development.

Intellectual Property

European Patent: EP4217215B1
Patent Title: A multi-stage spring system suitable for use in vehicles
Priority Date: 25 September 2020
European Filing Date: 24 September 2021
Grant Publication Date: 5 March 2025
Applicant / Assignee: Sabancı University

The patent family also includes international and national filings related to the same invention.

Commercialisation Status

The technology is currently at the industrial validation stage and is available for licensing.

Collaboration Opportunities

• Licensing
• Scientific consultancy
• Joint R&D and co-development
• Industrial validation and pilot testing
• Joint production and manufacturing collaboration

Potential partners may include vehicle manufacturers, suspension system suppliers, composite component manufacturers, and engineering companies working in vehicle dynamics, lightweight structures, and advanced suspension technologies.

Inventors

Inventors: Mehmet Yildiz, Erdal Kisa, Fatih Uzun

Contact