As a result of licensing a patent from NASA on Aug. 24, 2017, Genetoo, an innovative Startup that aims to commercialize innovative materials resistant to bacteria growth has developed its first prototype. Using NASA innovation with proprietary technology and a laser ablation process, Titanium Grade 5, a material that is widely used in prosthetic implants, was carved with a pattern meant to reduce bacteria adhesion and biofouling formation. Surfaces modified in this pattern can inhibit the development and spread of bacterial infections. This technology will soon be used in biomedical applications.
Genetoo’s prototype is a success at modifying the surface energy of materials for creating bacteriophobic surfaces to be used in prosthetic implants. Prosthetic implants, which are artificial substitutes for body parts, and materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic purposes, are widely used as a result medical advancement in the field. These implants are susceptible to a risk of infection, which result in a huge burden for both the healthcare systems and patients. They are most often caused by perioperative inoculations of bacteria or postoperative bacteremia. Treatment usually involves invasive surgery and long-term systemic antibiotic therapy.
Genetoo is a startup that began its infancy in 2016. On November 5, 2016, Genetoo announced that it was a winner of the Center for Advancing Innovation’s SPACE RACE Startup competition, sponsored by both CAI and NASA. This competition is an effort to encourage startup usage of federally funded technologies, addressing two of startup companies’ greatest obstacles: raising capital and securing intellectual property rights. After winning the SPACE RACE competition, Genetoo immediately gave notice of its intent to incorporate and officially license NASA technologies.
Genetoo seeks to prevent bacteria, such as Staphylococcus Aureus, from becoming embedded and thus growing in prosthetic implants. By reverse-engineering this NASA technology and making it available for medical applications, Genetoo has revolutionized the ability for future materials to become able to inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria. Genetoo will further assess the newly developed surface. This achievement is amazing on both a technical and progressive level. Genetoo desires for this technology to become up-scalable and accessible to all who may require it. They have proven that their mission is feasible and achievable in the long-run.
For more information on Genetoo, visit https://genetoo.com/ or find Genetoo on Facebook, Twitter, AngelList and LinkedIn.
