Final Round Invitees

Abstract: A compound which is a precursor for a range of novel pharmaceutical compounds, and which may also have medicinal value in its own right, will be derived from a commercially produced microalgae.

The methods developed to derive this precursor will be safe, reproducible and conform to pharmaceutical good manufacturing practice.

Drug targets will be produced from the precursor for use in the fields of photodynamic therapy and bactericidal treatments. In addition to extraction, derivatisation, purification and chemical synthesis, extensive development of analytical methods will be undertaken to support the drug development programme.

Abstract: The objective is a reliable package of hardware, firmware and software to permit confidential acquisition of data from hospital patients using wireless instruments in place of the traditional wired devices.

The package will be capable of being implemented in a wide range of equipments from single patients thermometers through to multi-channel ambulatory data recorders for cardiac patients.

Since the data will be digitised it can be made compatible with the increasing number of wireless protocols used by mobile phones and computers allowing simple and seamless transfer of information in real-time from the patient to the hospital, laboratory or GP surgery.

By developing the appropriate, secure and confidential protocols it should be possible for a wide range of devices to be connected to a common platform without the user having to worry about compatibility of plugs and connectors. In other words it will be plug and play without the need for plugs!

The more applications there are for the technology, then the higher the production volumes and the lower the costs resulting in wide-spread use of advanced techniques which otherwise would be prohibitively expensive. The beneficiaries will be the doctors and technicians who will find equipment easier to use – and above all the patient who will benefit from the ability to deliver advanced patient monitoring almost anywhere. Patients will also benefit from the additional privacy, which will be afforded by the removal of the requirement to be physically attached to data recording or treatment equipment.

Abstract: The target is a real-time method to replace the present labour-intensive and lengthy laboratory batch testing of urine samples in vitro; the techniques may also lead to a new method of assessing urinary incontinence by in vivo measurement of urine composition in the bladder.

It is already known that some components of urine can be measured electrically; these are pH and the ion concentrations of sodium and potassium. Other components including urine creatinine, ketones, dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide may be measurable and the prime objective of this research will be to identify and evaluate potential technologies and their characteristics.

Quantitative measurements are desired but at present the accuracy and sensitivity requirements have not been assessed. If only some of the substances can be measured it is possible that the methods could still have a commercial future.

For the in vitro measurements the device would be used for a one-off measurement per patient and if the device can be reused that would be a bonus. For in vivo measurements the task is harder to achieve, as the device would have to be capable of recording data over a period of time.

Abstract: The project seeks to achieve a sufficient understanding of the image of a variety of species and sizes of fish to enable automated injection of vaccine by machine at just the correct location on the surface of the animal, to exactly the correct depth. It also aims to achieve an understanding of how injection method and immediate post-injection handling affects subsequent fish performance and survival.

Early-Design Tools

Abstract: An early-design tool to facilitate spatial manipulation by the non-expert as a complementary tool to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Seahaven

Abstract: The project involves the development of a floating breakwater system with improved wave attenuation characteristics, which generates revenue not only through providing sheltered marine real estate for safe berthing of small craft on the inshore face, but also through on board vehicular and pedestrian access, and commercial facilities for tourists and others. The concept can provide the opportunity for providing offshore floating facilities within large, deep-water natural or commercial harbours, where the costs of seabed bearing seawalls and berthing quays is rules out by the escalation of cost with depth or by environmental considerations. The project will result in a product marketable not only in Scotland and the UK, but worldwide.

Identification of Varietal Traits and Market Potential of Bere Barley

Abstract: Bere is a 6-row barley variety traditional to Orkney that has not been subject to any improvements for generations.  It is said to be the oldest cereal variety in the world. It has a number of distinctive characteristics, such as low gluten content, distinctive flavour and high levels of crude fibre. These and other features could be exploited to serve the needs of today's consumer. To achieve this, the project aims to address certain issues notably, the lack of data on its quality traits, confirmation of the extent of its bread-making qualities and determination of its perceived benefits in terms of health maintenance and provider of niche market bakery products. At the same time marketing partners will be identified.

A Novel Modular Advanced Disinfection Reactor for the Disinfection of Water

Abstract: Water contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms presents a significant challenge on both a national and international level as has been highlighted in several high profile cases in recent years. Bacterial and viral contaminants are developing resistance to traditional chemically based disinfection methods. There is now a growing requirement for new effective methods to address these problems. Advanced oxidation technologies (AOT) are powerful light driven processes that offer a significant potential in future water treatment. The proposed project will investigate the development of a compact modular unit based on AOTs that may be deployed on site for removal of water borne pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas and Legionella. A successful conclusion to this project will have a significant impact for both industrial and domestic water applications.

Development of an Exploitable Library of Novel Biosurfactants from Marine Bacteria

Abstract: Chemically produced surfactants, which often resemble soaps, are heavily used in sectors as diverse as environmental remediation and food, to alter surface properties. However high toxicity, lack of biodegradable properties, and increasing environmental regulation is turning attention towards biologically produced surfactants, termed biosurfactants, which are derived from certain bacteria existing in the natural environment. We have identified a unique source of biosurfactants from naturally occurring marine bacteria. Further work is required to fully characterise the biosurfactants using both micro- and molecular biological techniques and to define the optimal production conditions, prior to appropriate commercial exploitation.

Electronic Aroma Technology for Mobile Phones, Computers, Television and Consumer Electronics

Abstract: We aim to produce a scalable, electronic platform technology for computers, including laptops; and also the next generation of mobile phones and similar devices; which will allow them to emit aromas.

The technology will contain a basic aroma vocabulary, from which a wide range of perfumes and scents can be generated. The aroma stimulus is produced on demand and can be a private and personal experience, with no broadcasting of the aroma to the general world

We also have the ability to design special scents and aromas that will be suitable for the new aroma delivery technology.

There are important aromachology treatments that can be incorporated in to mobile phones; and we already have scientifically validated aromas for some treatments.