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Polyhydroxy Fullerenes for Stimulating Biofuel Production

IP Title

Functionalized Fullerenes as Biomass Stimulant and a Life Extension Agent

Detailed Technology Description

None

Application Date

Sep 28, 2012

Application No.

9,399,756

Others

*Abstract

Invention

The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing polyhydroxy fullerenes that could aid biofuel production by stimulating growth and reproduction of algae. University of Florida researchers have discovered that even small amounts of environmentally friendly, biodegradable polyhydroxy fullerenes can increase growth rates of common algae by 150 percent, a significant improvement over the best available growth stimulant, which nets a mere 34 percent increase. These numbers indicate that polyhydroxy fullerenes offer a substantial competitive advantage over existing growth stimulators. While hundreds of billions have been invested in the production of algae-based biofuels, they still account for less than 3 percent of the global transportation fuel supply. The introduction of polyhydroxy fullerenes to this process would greatly assist the industry in its efforts to provide consumers with greener and more affordable energy sources. There is also potential for application of polyhydroxy fullerenes in the biotechnology, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. UF researchers have shown that polyhydroxy fullerenes increase the growth rate of fungi by 33 percent and the reproduction rate of water fleas by 38 percent. The lifespan of water fleas was also extended by 38 percent.

Application

Polyhydroxy fullerenes for biological uses in the biofuel, agricultural, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors

Advantages

• Facilitates biofuel production, making it a viable and cost-effective solution to the unmet demand for alternative energy sources
• Augments plant growth better than available technology, saving time and increasing profits
• Soluble in water, biocompatible, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly

Technology

Fullerenes, also called buckyballs or carbon nanotubes, are molecules composed entirely of carbon that have a hollow central space. When certain chemical modifications are made to their surfaces, solubility and biocompatibility are enhanced. University of Florida researchers discovered that polyhydroxy fullerenes can significantly speed growth and reproduction when applied to algae, fungi, and invertebrates. Although the manner by which these specialized molecules augment generative processes is still being investigated, their ability to absorb electrons and enhance biochemical pathways likely plays an important role.

*IP Issue Date

Jul 26, 2016

*IP Publication Date

Feb 7, 2013

*Principal Investigator

Name: Brij Moudgil

Department:

Name: Angelina Georgieva

Department:

Name: Ben Koopman

Department:

Name: Fan Li

Department:

Name: Jie Gao

Department:

Name: Kevin Folta

Department:

Name: Paul Indeglia

Department:

Name: Vijay Krishna

Department:

Name: Wei Bai

Department:

Country/Region

USA