The Oxford Invention

Magnetic Navigation A method of localising mobile devices and smartphones, without the need for additional hardware.http://www.isis-innovation.com/licensing/7949.html


Hydrogen Sulphide Sensor - A practical, viable, reusable hydrogen sulphide sensor.

RNA interference (RNAi) Technology Mirtrons — A new approach to targeting the RNAi pathway, offering longer term silencing and reduced toxic side effects.

Intelligent Tissue

Intelligent Tissue Expander to Revolutionise Surgery

Oxtexs Limited, the latest spinout from Isis Innovation Ltd, the technology transfer office of the University of Oxford, has secured £365,000 of seed funding to develop an intelligent hydrogel material for tissue expansion. For the first time, surgeons will be able to accurately and predictably control the direction, the timing, and rate of the material’s expansion in the body. This will significantly reduce the risk of soft tissue damage and associated complications. The level of control makes them ideal for use in delicate anatomical locations, particularly in the treatment of children.

The innovative hydrogel is the result of a unique collaboration between two materials scientists (Jan Czernuszka, Lecturer in Materials at the University of Oxford, and David Bucknall, currently Professor of Materials Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA) and two plastic and reconstructive surgeons (Marc C. Swan and Tim Goodacre based at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford).

The market for the product – which can be shaped by the surgeon prior to implantation – is broad. It includes scar reconstruction following trauma, burns or cancer surgery. It also includes the treatment of congenital craniofacial conditions and limb deformities. However, the largest market may prove to be in restorative dentistry. Trials in this area are scheduled to begin at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the United States.

Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovation, says, “We are delighted to have assisted in building a business from this technology, which has the potential to transform lives. Introducing investors to projects like this is a crucial part of our work enabling society to benefit from University research.”

To read the full article, please click here.http://www.isis-innovation.com/news/news/IntelligentTissueExpanderstoRevolutioniseSurgery.html