Regioselectively substituted cellulose esters with tunable
This technology provides a simpler, more controlled way to manufacture cellulose esters — a class of materials derived from plant-based cellulose that are used in films, coatings, and drug delivery systems. The key innovation is a one-step chemical process that selectively removes ester groups from specific positions on the cellulose molecule (C-2 and C-3), leaving the C-6 position intact, without needing complex protective-group chemistry that normally adds cost and steps. This regioselective control over where chemical groups sit on the cellulose backbone directly determines the material's physical and functional properties — things like solubility, film formation, and drug release behavior. The reagent used is tetrabutylammonium fluoride, a commercially available salt, making the process accessible to industrial manufacturers.
What you could build
A specialty cellulose ester intermediate or finished material sold to pharmaceutical excipient manufacturers for controlled drug release coatings, or to specialty film and coating producers seeking bio-based polymer alternatives with tunable properties; buyers would be specialty chemical companies and pharma excipient suppliers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based specialty chemical manufacturers, biotech companies focused on drug delivery excipients, or polymer research centers at Virginia Tech or UVA would be natural partners or licensees.
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
- Kevin Edgar, Daiqiang Xu, Xueyan Zheng
- Granted
- April 18, 2017
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9624311
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.