&Kemijski inštitut / National Institute of Chemistry

Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 LjubljanaSlovenija / Sloveniawww.ki.si

TechnologiesPatents

In the past three years, the National Institute of Chemistry has applied for more than 40 patents, which places it at the top of the Slovenian organizations in terms of knowledge transfer:

• 12 FOREIGN PATENT GRANTED • 5 SOLD PATENTS*• 22 INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN

NATIONAL APPLICATIONS (PCT, EU, USA, AUSTRIA AND JAPAN)

• 13 SLOVENIAN APPLICATIONS

* (the most successful is the water-soluble form of the Q10 coenzyme)

• New electrocatalyst based on CuxPty alloys with an arranged structure

• Coloured multilayer coatings exhibiting low solar absorbance and highthermal emittance

• Chemically-modified reduced graphene oxide as a separator material insulphur-containing batteries

• The environmentally friendly, high yield production of nanocellulosefrom natural sources

• Temperature indicator for showing the temperature fluctuations ofarticles above the prescribed limit in the cold chain

• A process for the preparation of self-cleaning washing-resistantcotton textiles

• Catalyst and the process for converting gas mixtures of methane andcarbon dioxide into syngas

• Built-in photocatalytic filter for indoor-air cleaning

• Ash-free pellets from low-value biomass: The BiAR process

• Fungicide on the basis of inhibitors of NLP proteins

• Cell-based device for local treatment with therapeutic proteins

• Directed biosynthesis by combining biosynthetic enzymes on motifs ofnucleotide sequence

• Self-assembled protein nanostructures

• Modified 6-phosphofructo-1-kinases for faster bio-ethanol production

Presented patents

NEW ELECTROCATALYST BASED ON CuXPtY ALLOYS WITH AN ARRANGED STRUCTURE

THE INVENTION INVOLVES THE SYNTHESIS OF PLATINUM ALLOYS WITH TRANSITION ELEMENTS (MAINLY COPPER), WHICH CAN BE USED AS A CATALYST IN FUEL CELLS.

The new materials show an up to 5 times higher catalytic effectiveness for the reduction of oxygen compared to pure platinum and are at the same time much cheaper. The process according to the invention enables the preparation of several 10-gram catalyst quantities and is thus suitable for direct use at the industrial level.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Improved catalytic activity for oxygen reduction and certain other reactions.• A lower price than existing catalysts on the market.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Marjan Bele (NIC)• Dr. Miran Gaberšček (NIC)• Gregor Kapun (NIC)• Dr. Nejc Hodnik (NIC)• Dr. Stanko Hočevar (NIC, Mebius, d.o.o.)

APPLICATIONThe catalyst’s potential use

is in all electronic applications where platinum catalysts are

currently being used.

COOPERATION TYPETechnology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

Possible synthesis and use on the industrial scale

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYPatent granted in US (US 9, 147, 885)

and Japan (JP6028027), European patent application pending

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

COLOURED MULTILAYER COATINGS EXHIBITING LOW SOLAR ABSORBANCE AND HIGH THERMAL EMITTANCE

THE INVENTION APPLIES TO:• coloured multilayer coatings exhibiting low solar absorbance and

high thermal emittance that can be used for adjusting the maximum temperature of coated surfaces exposed to direct sunlight,

• the procedure for applying the coating and• cold surfaces prepared with the application of such coatings.

The compositions for colour coatings are made by mixing highly reflective metal or metalized flakes, for IR transparent or IR reflective pigments in various binding substances; and their high thermal emittance is ensured with the application of a transparent high thermal emittance top layer. The coatings can be applied by spraying or with the coil coating procedure.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• High thermal emittance of coatings.• Improved procedure for applying coatings.

RESEARCH TEAM• Prof. Dr. Boris Orel (NIC)• Dr. Matjaž Koželj (NIC)• Doc. Dr. Ivan Jerman (NIC)• Dr. Mohor Mihelčič (NIC)• Dr. Helena Spreizer (NIC)• Dr. Lidija Slemenik Perše (NIC)

APPLICATIONThe catalyst’s potential use is in all electronic applications where platinum catalysts are currently being used.

COOPERATION TYPETechnology licensing

STATE OF THE ARTPossible synthesis and use on the industrial scale

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYAustrian patent granted (AT 510371)Co-ownership: MEBIUS, d. o. o.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

CHEMICALLY-MODIFIED REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE AS A SEPARATOR MATERIAL IN SULPHUR-CONTAINING BATTERIES

THE INVENTION REPRESENTS THE USE OF A NEW TYPE OF GRAPHENE MATERIAL THAT SHOWS GOOD PROPERTIES AS A SEPARATOR IN BATTERIES CONTAINING SULPHUR AND BATTERIES CONTAINING SULPHUR COMPOUNDS.

The separator can be an independent membrane containing chemically modified reduced graphene oxide or a layer of graphene material on the surface of classic separators in modern batteries.

The preferred chemical modification enables the hydrophobic properties of graphene, which prevents the diffusion of sulphur compounds from the positive electrode into the negative electrode.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Greater stability of Li-S-batteries.• Better utilization ratio between the input

and received electric power.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Alen Vižintin (NIC)• Dr. Boštjan Genorio (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Miran Gaberšček (NIC, CO NOT)• Prof. Dr. Robert Dominko (NIC)

APPLICATION In modern batteries,

mainly lithium-sulphur batteries

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT Laboratory research

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYEuropean patent application pending,

(EP 20140721563)Co-ownership:

Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon Technology

(CO NOT)

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, HIGH YIELD PRODUCTION OF NANOCELLULOSE FROM NATURAL SOURCES

THE INVENTION DESCRIBES AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, COST-EFFICIENT PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR TECHNOLOGICALLY UNDEMANDING TECHNOLOGY.

Currently, nanocrystalline cellulose is prepared using energy demanding and environmentally unfriendly processes, thus the new process is that much more important and represents an exceptional opportunity for the enterprise sector. Nanocellulose, which is a biodegradable natural material, has exceptional mechanical properties.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Environmentally friendly,• Cost-efficient nanocellulose

production process.• Different starting materials• High yield production

RESEARCH TEAM• Prof. Dr. Matjaž Kunaver (NIC)• Dr. Tomaž Kos (NIC)• Dr. Alojz Anžlovar (NIC)• Dr. Ema Žagar (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Miroslav Huskić (NIC)

APPLICATIONPaper industry, coatings and optical films, as a carrier of active substances, as a reinforcement in polymer composites.

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

STATE OF DEVELOPMENTPilot production

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYEuropean patent application pending (EP3116938)

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

TEMPERATURE INDICATOR FOR SHOWING THE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS OF ARTICLES ABOVE THE PRESCRIBED LIMIT IN THE COLD CHAIN

The invention involves recording of the time in which temperature fluctuates above the upper or prescribed temperature used for maintaining the items in the cold chain. The temperature indicator operates via chemical and physical changes of the indicator material and thus does not need a power supply. The recorded information is readable under all circumstances that enable visual or video detection. The indicator irreversibly records the time of exceeding the predetermined temperature, which is lower than room temperature. When using on items in a cold chain, it also provides information about safety and quality (e.g. animal food)

APPLICATIONControl of transport and/or warehousing of products or substances with properties that are significantly dependent on temperature and the time the allowed temperature was exceeded which is lower than room temperature.

Control of any temperature-dependent processes that should not exceed the prescribed value below room temperature for more than couple of hours.

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

STATE OF DEVELOPMENTPrototype

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYPCT pending, (PCT/SI2016/000019)Co-ownership: CETIS, d. d.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Manufacturing of the indicator is entirely

feasible combining processes used in graphic technology.

• The fabrication process for reservoir enables precise dosing of indicator material and full repeatability of all indicator issues.

• Flexible material carriers enable the use of the indicator on any form of packaging capable to provide good termal contact with the indicator.

RESEARCH TEAM• Prof. dr. Marta Klanjšek Gunde (NIC)• Dr. Metka Hajzeri (NIC)• Kristina Bašnec (CETIS d.d.)

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF SELF-CLEANING WASHING-RESISTANT COTTON TEXTILES

The invention is a process for the preparation of self-cleaning washing-resistant and air permeable superhydrophobic and oleophobic cotton textiles. High contact angle and washing resistance can be achieved for cotton textiles by providing a suitable micro- and nanoroughness, as well as with suitable crosslinking with the use of hydrophobic and oleophobic organically modified silane precursors.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Improved washing resistance properties of cotton textiles.• High contact angle for water and hexadecane even after repeated washings.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Milena Zorko (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Barbara Simončič (UL)• Jelena Vasiljević (UL)• Doc. Dr. Brigita Tomšič (UL)• Doc. Dr. Ivan Jerman (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Miran Gaberšček (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTPrototype

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYEuropean patent application pending (EP 20150468007)Co-ownership: University of Ljubljana (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering Ljubljana)

APPLICATIONThe technology is suitable for cotton textiles intended for making protective working clothing, as well as clothing for sports and leisure.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

CATALYST AND THE PROCESS FOR CONVERTING GAS MIXTURES OF METHANE AND CARBON DIOXIDE INTO SYNGAS

THE ADVANCE DESIGN OF A COST EFFECTIVE CATALYST ENABLES OPERATION IN MILD REACTION CONDITIONS WHILE ACHIEVING HIGH ACTIVITY, STABLE LONGTERM OPERATION AND THE ABSENCE OF CARBONISATION OF CATALYST SURFACE.

This innovation enables the effective conversion of natural gas with an additional source of carbon dioxide or the direct conversion of biogas obtained from renewable sources and various biologically degradable waste.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• A cost effective catalyst for converting methane and carbon dioxide into syngas

(mixture of H2 and CO).• The effective conversion of natural gas with an additional source of carbon dioxide or a direct biogas conversion.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Ilja Gasan Osojnik Črnivec (NIC)• Dr. Peter Djinović (NIC)• Dr. Boštjan Erjavec (NIC)• Dr. Albin Pintar (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTLaboratory tested - ready for demonstration

APPLICATIONIn the production of biofuel and other chemicals with high added value

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYKnow-how

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

Built-in TiO2/SiO2 photocatalytic filter for indoor-air cleaning

Invention represents photocatalytically active layers which, under UV-light illumination, produce air free from odors, toxic volatile organic compounds VOC (e.g. formaldehyde) and bacteria. Photocatalytically active layers are formed from ultrafine TiO2 nanoparticles and SiO2 with high surface area and are deposited on the glass or metal carriers via thermal treatment. Glass or metal carriers are built in photocatalytic filter for air-cleaning devices, which has ability for total decomposition of VOC (zero emission scheme), antimicrobial and self-cleaning properties.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• High photocatalytic activity under UV-light• Environmentaly friendly preparation (Green chemicals and low-temperature)• Possibility of application to glass or metal surfaces• Possibility of applying the filter at bigger dimensions

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Andraž Šuligoj (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Nataša Novak Tušar (NIC, UNG)• Prof. Dr. Urška Lavrenčič Štangar (UNG)• MSc. Vladimir Vrečko (Cinkarna d.d. - TiO2 producer)

COOPERATION TYPE

Technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF

DEVELOPMENT

• Prototype

• Applies to recent EU standard

EN 16846-1

INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY

• Know-how

• Co-ownership: Cinkarna d.d. and

University of Nova Gorica (UNG)

APPLICATION

For use in climatisation

systems in residential indoor

environments, hospitals, clean

rooms, laboratories

email:

kzi@ki.si

phone:

01 4760 226

ASH-FREE PELLETS FROM LOW-VALUE BIOMASS: THE BIAR PROCESS

BiAR (Biomass Ash Removal) PROCESS IS CAPABLE TO SEPARATE THE ORGANICS, WHICH ARE VALID FOR ENERGETIC USES, FROM INORGANIC COMPONENTS, WHICH ARE A LIMITATION FOR ENERGETIC USES BUT HOWEVER, CONTAIN VALUABLE ELEMENTS.

BiAR process contains three steps:LIQUEFACTION REACTION performed by solvolysis of biomass at moderate temperatures (175-225°C) in presence of methanol or methanol-glycerol mixture and an acidic homogeneous catalyst.ASH SEPARATION: After the liquefaction of organic matter, separation of inorganic particles is crucial. This is done through the physical separation (filtration) or sedimentationSOLVENT RECOVERY: the ash-free liquid mass enters a second continuous reactor where the solvent is distilled and thus fully recovered, while the depolymerized biomass remains at the bottom of the reactor and can be shaped into any solid form or left semi-liquid.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Biomass not suitable for energetic uses can be valorized;• Pellets can be shaped into any solid form;• Low-energy demanding process and high calorific value

of the product (21 MJ/kg);• Isolated ash can be used as a fertilizer.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Miha Grilc (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Blaž Likozar (NIC)• Gian Claudio Faussone (INSER Energia s.r.l.).

APPLICATIONValorization of biomass (bark, straw, digestate) with ash content above fuel standard threshold (0.7 wt.% for A1 pellets).

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTContinuous pilot unit is being constructed

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYPCT pending: PCT/IT2016/000140 Co-ownership: INSER Energia s.r.l.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

FUNGICIDE ON THE BASIS OF INHIBITORS OF NLP PROTEINS

VARIOUS PLANT PATHOGENS SECRET NLPS (NEP1-LIKE PROTEINS) DURING PLANT INFECTION, ELICITING IMMUNE RESPONSE AND CAUSING CELL DEATH. THUS NLPS REPRESENT AN IMPORTANT MOLECULAR TARGET FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.

The technology relates to compounds that can serve as inhibitors of NLPs and can be used for the prevention of plant diseases caused by plant pathogens, which use NLPs in their toxicity mechanisms, e.g. for controlling oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora causing potato or tomato blight.

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

STATE OF TECHNOLOGYLaboratory tested

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYEuropean patent application pendingCo-ownership: University of Ljubljana (Faculty of Pharmacy) and University Tübingen

APPLICATIONProtecting crops against plant diseases caused by plant pathogens that express NLPs (e.g. root rot, downy mildew, anthracnose, soft rot, early blight and late blight and some others).

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• compounds target specific proteins

present only in plant pests;• broad spectrum acting upon

microorganisms from very diverse taxonomic groups;

• compounds are easy to prepare in extensive amounts.

RESEARCH TEAM• Prof. Dr. Gregor Anderluh (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Stanislav Gobec (UL)• Prof. Dr. Thorsten Nürnberger

(EKUT ZMBP)• Dr. Marjetka Podobnik (NIC)• Tea Lenarčič (NIC) • Vesna Hodnik (NIC)• Dr. Boris Brus (UL) • Doc. Dr. Izidor Sosič• Dr. Isabell Albert (EKUT ZMBO)• Hannah Böhm (EKUT ZMBO)

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

CELL-BASED DEVICE FOR LOCAL TREATMENT WITH THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS

A therapeutic device with therapeutic cells that secrete a combination of therapeutic proteins. The therapeutic cells are stored in a semi-permeable chamber that enables the exchange of nutritional substances and therapeutic proteins

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• Replacing the stem cells when treating

chronic wounds and neurodegenerative diseases.

• The effective elimination of a series of issues accompanying stem cell therapy.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Lucija Kadunc (NIC)• Dr. Duško Lainšček (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Simon Horvat (NIC)• Prof. Dr. Roman Jerala (NIC)• Dr. Iva Hafner Bratkovič (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTPre-clinical phase for chronical wound healing

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYUS and European patent application pending

APPLICATIONThe therapeutic device is useful for various therapeutic purposes, such as the treatment of chronic wounds and neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cell therapy is one of the approaches to the challenges of regenerative medicine, but the therapy has a series of difficulties, thus the idea of the inventors to replace stem cells with therapeutic cells that secrete biologically active molecules is an important step towards a safer and cost effective therapy.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

DIRECTED BIOSYNTHESIS BY COMBINING BIOSYNTHETIC ENZYMES ON MOTIFS OF NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE

Directed biosynthesis by combining biosynthetic enzymes on motifs of nucleotide sequence The invention applies to the principle of improving the ynthesis of bioproducts using bacteria. The forced joining of enzymes that form the biosynthetic path is done via a program nucleic acid. In this way, enzyme active aggregates are created within cells.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• The invention provides for the

implementation of a program nucleic acid and enzymes that bind to the program nucleic acid into a production organism.

• The program nucleic acid determines the position and number of individual enzymes in the active aggregate. The formed enzyme aggregate enables an improved utilization of the synthesis of the chosen bioproduct.

RESEARCH TEAMProf. Dr. Roman Jerala (NIC, EN FIST), Assoc. Prof. dr. Mojca Benčina (NIC), Dr. Monika Avbelj (NIC), Dr. Tomaž Koprivnjak (NIC), Dr. Irena Vovk (NIC), Dr. Rok Gaber (NIC), Tina Lebar (NIC), Prof. Dr. Gregor Anderluh (NIC), Dr. Jerneja Mori (NIC), Jernej Turnšek, Dr. Tina Ilc, Dr. Nejc Tomšič, Dr. Tjaša Stosicki, Matej Žnidarič, Jure Bordon, Mattia Petroni, Dr. Vesna Glavnik (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTPrototype

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYAustrian patent granted (AT512453)Co-ownership: EN-FIST Centre of Excellence

APPLICATIONThe strategy is suitable for improving the synthesis of various bioproducts using bacteria. The advantage of active enzyme aggregates is especially evident in the synthesis of bioproducts with biosynthetic-pathforming enzymes that originate from various organisms and that, with the help of anchoring to the program nucleic acid, are brought closer to other enzymes.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

SELF-ASSEMBLED PROTEIN NANOSTRUCTURES

THIS INVENTION APPLIES TO A NEW TECHNOLOGY WITH THE HELP OF WHICH IT IS POSSIBLE TO PLAN POLYPEPTIDE CHAINS WHICH, BY SELFASSEMBLY, FORM PROTEIN NANOSTRUCTURES. POLYPEPTIDES ARE ASSEMBLED MODULARLY FROM LINKED PEPTIDE SEGMENTS THAT IN PAIRS FORM COILS AND THUS THE SIDE OF A POLYHEDRON.

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIES• The invention makes it possible to

design new protein structures not found in nature, and the input of selected functions into positions with nanometre resolution, which makes it possible to prepare technologically interesting advanced nanomaterials.

• Protein nanomaterials have numerous advantages compared to nanomaterials from organic or inorganic building blocks.

RESEARCH TEAM• Prof. Dr. Roman Jerala (NIC EN FIST)• Dr. Helena Gradišar (NIC)• Sabina Božič Abram (NIC)• Tibor Doles (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPER&D cooperation, technology licensing

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTPrototype

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYUS and European patent application pending. Co-ownership: EN-FIST Centre of Excellence

APPLICATIONThe strategy is suitable for preparing protein nanostructures that can be functionalized for various medicinal (vaccines, drug supply) and other technological purposes (biocatalysis sensors, the input of recognizable places, optical, electrical and mechanical properties).

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

MODIFIED 6-PHOSPHOFRUCTO-1-KINASES FOR FASTER BIO-ETHANOL PRODUCTION

The invention shows that deregulation of the glycolytic flux as a single change to yeast metabolism enables growth of transformants on pentose sugars and fermentative phenyl-ethanol production

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTIESBy introducing the gene that enhances metabolic conversion in the last step of pentose sugars into bio-ethanol its production may be increased. This is the first example of a genetic modification at the level of glycolysis that might lead to faster bio-ethanol production. However, for commercial implementation of modified yeast cells for bio-ethanol production, previously engineered pentose catabolism and pentose phosphate pathway must be introduced on top of suggested modifications at the level of glycolysis.

RESEARCH TEAM• Dr. Matic Legiša (NIC) • Dragan Marko, • Andrejc Darjan, • Dolinar Klemen, • Dr. Možir Alenka (NIC)

COOPERATION TYPEWe seek collaboration with other partners primarily in the field of engineered yeast cells of the second generation bio-ethanol production

CURRENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENTSo far, the ability of yeast sfPFKM transformants to grow on xylose and xylitol and to accumulate phenyl-ethanol has been shown on laboratory scale. By understanding the metabolic constrains in the cells with deregulated glycolytic flux (paper in press) more modifications are being prepared to enable ethanol and not phenyethanol accumulation.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYPCT pending (PCT/SI2016/000010)

APPLICATIONThe invention is of extreme importance for the second generation bioethanol producers that use lignocellulose substrates (agricultural wastes, wooden biomass) for bio-ethanol production. It may substantially boost second generation bio-ethanol production, make it more economical and therefore comparable to bio-ethanol production from glucose substrates.

email:kzi@ki.si

phone:01 4760 226

The main task of the Knowledge transfer office is to identify the needs of the industry in the areas where we have excellent science and to search for potential partners for cooperation.

e-mail: kzi@ki.si / phone: 00386 1 476 0 226

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mojca Benčina (President of the Commission for Innovations and Patent Attorney),

• Dr. Samo Hocevar and Prof. Dr. Robert Dominko (members of the Commission for Innovations) and

• Urša Jerše (member of the Commission for Innovations and Knowledge transfer officer)