The Texas A&M University System

Methods and compositions for identifying, quantifying, or characterizing specific biological molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, antibodies) or microbial species, often for diagnostic, prognostic, or quality control applications.

Engineering and material considerations for devices used in minimally invasive procedures, focusing on mechanical properties, deployment mechanisms, and interaction with biological tissues.

Design and synthesis of acyclic or carbocyclic organic compounds that selectively modulate specific biological targets or pathways for the treatment of diseases.

Development and application of polymer compositions designed for reprocessability, recyclability, or incorporating sustainable additives, often featuring reversible bonds or bio-based components.

Design and application of devices that are inserted into the body or implanted to treat diseases, modulate physiological functions, or repair anatomical structures.

Materials and structures designed for implantation or tissue regeneration, focusing on properties like biodegradability, mechanical strength, cellular integration, and long-term in-vivo stability.

Polymer compositions incorporating inorganic or organic filler materials to impart specific functional properties such as thermal conductivity, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, or enhanced mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

Development of therapeutic approaches involving the genetic modification of cells (e.g., T cells, stem cells, macrophages) or the use of viral/non-viral vectors to deliver genetic material for disease treatment.

Development and application of living organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses) or their natural derivatives (e.g., peptides, plant extracts) as agents to suppress or eliminate agricultural pests, weeds, or plant diseases.

Therapeutic strategies employing nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides) to modulate gene expression, deliver genetic material, or interfere with disease-causing pathways. Includes gene therapy using viral vectors.

Methods and compositions that stimulate a plant's natural defense mechanisms or improve its physiological resilience against pathogens, pests, or environmental stressors, rather than directly eliminating the threat.

Development of devices and methods for non-invasive or minimally invasive collection and analysis of physiological data, often from wearable sensors, to monitor health, activity, or specific conditions.

Specific techniques and materials developed to remove persistent or difficult-to-treat pollutants from water, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), micropollutants, or specific industrial chemicals.

Design and modification of antibodies or antibody-derived fragments for targeted therapeutic intervention, including bispecific formats, Fc region modifications, and activatable constructs.

Design and engineering of proteins or peptides to directly modulate immune responses, including enhancing antigen presentation, suppressing inflammation, or activating specific immune cell types.

Techniques for building three-dimensional metal objects layer-by-layer using metal powders, including powder bed fusion, binder jetting, and directed energy deposition. This theme encompasses process mechanics, equipment design, and operational control for AM systems.

Synthesis and application of crosslinked polymer networks designed to swell in water, often for medical, sensing, or smart material applications, exhibiting properties like hydrolysis resistance, thermochromism, or radiation protection.

Delivery systems specifically engineered to administer advanced drug formulations (e.g., microparticles, biologics, extended-release systems) to achieve precise targeting, controlled release kinetics, or enhanced therapeutic efficacy within the body.

Synthesis and modification of high-performance thermoplastic polymers, such as poly(arylene ether ketone) (PAEK) or polycarbonates, to achieve enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, or specific processing characteristics.

Focuses on the mechanical design, articulation, and actuation of hand-held or robotic surgical instruments, including improvements in stapling, cutting, grasping, and tissue manipulation.

Techniques for manufacturing thin polymer layers, sheets, or multi-layer structures, often optimized for specific properties such as flexibility, barrier function, filtration, or mechanical strength.

Techniques for combining multiple materials or layers, often with specialized surface treatments, coatings, or assembly methods, to create functional or aesthetically enhanced plastic articles, including consumer goods and encapsulated electronics.

Additives or compositions specifically formulated for surface application or modification to impart protective, decorative, or specialized functional properties to polymer products.

Methods and systems for the efficient and scalable production, purification, and formulation of proteins and peptides, including fermentation, chromatography, and cell-based expression systems.

Systems and methods that use imaging technologies, computer vision, and augmented reality to provide real-time guidance, localization, and visualization during surgical procedures or for detailed anatomical assessment.

Synthesis and formulation of polymers, such as epoxy resins, polyimides, or ionic binders, tailored for specific functions in electronic components like sealing, insulation, or energy storage.

Innovation in chemical compounds or optimized formulations specifically designed to control or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants (weeds) in agricultural settings, often with improved selectivity or reduced environmental impact.

Technologies and materials for capturing carbon dioxide from gas streams and subsequently converting it into valuable chemical products or materials, rather than simply storing it.

Therapeutic interventions that target immune checkpoint pathways to either enhance or suppress immune responses, often used in cancer immunotherapy or autoimmune diseases.

Development and synthesis of catalysts with unique compositions or structures, such as medium entropy alloys, metal foam-supported catalysts, layered catalytic articles, or high-entropy oxides, to enhance activity, selectivity, or stability in chemical reactions.

Modification of protein or peptide sequences, structures, or post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation, lipidation) to enhance their stability, solubility, delivery, or therapeutic efficacy.

Methods and tooling for forming structural components from fibrous materials impregnated with resin, involving processes like prepreg handling, resin infusion, and co-bonding during curing.

Development and application of therapeutic proteins or peptides produced through recombinant DNA technology, including fusion proteins and modified growth factors.

Therapeutic approaches involving the use of living cells, often genetically modified or ex vivo activated, to treat diseases, particularly cancer, by modulating immune responses or replacing damaged cells.

Technologies focused on enhancing the stability, efficacy, spread, or targeted application of biocidal active ingredients through specialized carriers, adjuvants, encapsulation, or physical forms (e.g., gels, spray-dried particles).

Materials added to polymers to modify their thermal transfer properties, typically increasing conductivity for heat dissipation in applications like electronics or battery packs.

Development of materials with tailored porosity, surface chemistry, or structure, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), zeolites, or superficially porous particles, for selective adsorption, ion exchange, or chromatographic separations.

Compositions and methods designed to either lure insect pests to traps or away from crops, often utilizing specific volatile organic compounds such as pheromones, kairomones, or natural essential oils.

Synthesis and modification of polysiloxane polymers to introduce specific functional groups or structures, enhancing properties for applications like composites, coatings, biomedical uses, or powder treatment.

Methods and apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing medical devices, waste, or environments, often employing radiation, chemical agents, or thermal processes, and including monitoring systems.

Additives that enhance a polymer's resistance to thermal degradation, high temperatures, or ignition, including flame retardants and heat stabilizers for improved safety and durability.