Oxygen-independent photodynamic agent for solid tumor
This technology uses specially engineered metal complexes — molecules built around metals like ruthenium and rhodium linked by a bridging chemical structure — that can cut DNA strands when activated by ordinary visible light. When light hits the complex, energy moves between the metals in a way that generates a reactive state capable of breaking DNA. Critically, this works with low-energy visible light and does not require oxygen, making it potentially useful in low-oxygen environments like tumor tissue. The approach is a form of photodynamic chemistry applied at the molecular level to targeted DNA destruction.
What you could build
A photodynamic cancer therapy agent — administered to a patient, concentrated near tumor cells, then activated by visible light to destroy cancer DNA. Oncology drug developers and photodynamic therapy companies would be the buyers, targeting solid tumors resistant to conventional treatment.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia biotech and pharma companies, or oncology research programs at institutions like UVA or VCU Health, would be natural partners or licensees for this technology.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Karen Brewer, Shawn Swavey
- Granted
- May 21, 2013
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8445475
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.