62 innovations from Bar-Ilan University, available for licensing, co-investment, or spin-out through BIRAD.
Cohen Haim
This invention relates to a method for diagnosing Covid-19 virus in biological samples. Specifically, this invention relates to a method for detecting SARS-CoV2 viral RNA using a fluorescently labeled complementary DNA probe according to a phenomenon known as Microscale Thermophoresis (MST). MST is a physical phenomenon where biomolecules migrate differently along a temperature gradient according to properties such as size, hydration shell and charge. These different migration patterns resulting in a separation along the gradient which can be quantified for scientific studies. Since binding events are predicted to affect thermophoretic migration, MST is used to detect biological interactions such as protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions with high accuracy and low sample consumption. In a typical MST measurement an infra-red laser (I.R) is used to create the temperature gradient for a limited time and one of the binding partners is fluorescently labeled and being monitored during the total time of the experiment. The ratio between the florescence signal before and during the temperature gradient is calculated and represents the thermophoretic migration. The present invention is directed to utilize this phenomenon, prior MST measurement RNA is extracted from a biological sample using guanidinium thiocyanate phenol-chloroform extraction technique. Then, under strict conditions to ensure maximum specificity it is allowed to hybridize with a fluorescently labeled SARS-CoV2 DNA probe. If the viral RNA is present in the sample, a RNA:DNA hybrid is formed and the difference between the thermophoretic migration of a free probe and the hybrid is measured using an MST instrument. For more details and proof of concept’ please see figure 1-4. The method of this invention allows a detection time of 3 seconds for 1 sample, meaning a theoretical capacity up to 58,000 samples per day for 1 MST instrument (depends on the model in used). The invention is also further applicable for the diagnosis of other viruses and bacteria.
Polat Uri
Network activity within the brain in the gamma frequency (30–100Hz) plays an important role in information transfer across connected brain regions and across cortical hemispheres. Such oscillatory activity brings multimodal inputs together in a target region for efficient spatio-temporal integration. The gamma-frequency oscillation was shown to slow down lose power in mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Transcranial alternating current stimulation projecting Gamma waves was shown to positively affect the long-lasting enhancement of synaptic transmission in mice models of Alzheimer’s Disease. In the invention a new method is provided for increasing a user’s cognitive ability/abilities, the method comprising presenting to the user one or more visual training-tasks, via processor implemented method steps of displaying, at least one session (S1, S2…), each session of KS visual training-tasks, requiring the user’s one or more responses; whereby the visual training-tasks are configured to induce a long-term amplification of the brain’s frequency power, in reaction to at least the provided visual training-tasks, thereby increasing at least one of the user’s cognitive abilities.
Gerber Doron
We have invented a microfluidic mechanism that allows us to take any ELISA/antibody based detection assay and improve its sensitivity 2-3 orders of magnitude. This means that we can work with very small samples or discover for example blood markers that are very scarce.
Ozana, Nisan
Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is characterized by impaired vocal fold movement, commonly resulting from nerve damage during surgical procedures. Current diagnostic methods rely on endoscopic examinations requiring specialized physicians, reducing accessibility and potentially delaying treatment. We propose a non-contact optical sensing method using speckle pattern analysis for VFP identification. Our approach uses external laser illumination and a camerathatcapturesspecklepatterns,providinganon-invasiveandreal-timeassessment. The techniqueusesspectralanalysisenhancedbyslidingwindowscanningtoextractamplitudepeaks across vocal fold regions.
Fischer Bilha
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) is associated with osteoarthritis and is the cause of a common inflammatory articular disease. Nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase1 (eNPP1) is the major ecto-pyrophosphatase in chondrocytes and cartilage-derived matrix vesicles (MVs). Thus, eNPP1 is a principle contributor to extracellular pyrophosphate levels and a potential target for interventions aimed at preventing CPPD. Recently, we synthesized and described a novel eNPP1-specific inhibitor, SK4A, and we set out to evaluate whether this inhibitor attenuates nucleotide-pyrophosphatase activity in human osteoarthritis cartilage. Cartilage tissue, chondrocytes and cartilage-derived MVs were obtained from donors with osteoarthritis undergoing arthroplasty. OA chondrocytes express eNPP1 in early passages. Similarly, significant nucleotide-pyrophosphatase activity was detected in early-passage chondrocytes. The eNPP1 inhibitor, SK4A, was not toxic to chondrocytes and stable in culture medium and human plasma. SK4A effectively inhibited nucleotide-pyrophosphatase activity in whole cartilage tissue, in chondrocytes and in cartilage-derived MVs and reduced ATP-induced CPPD formation, as visualized and quantified with Alizarin red S staining. Next we developed second generation drug candidates exhibiting improved NPPase inhibition in human chondrocytes.
Cohen Cyrille
We have developed an improved T-cell receptor targeting the NYESO1 antigen to generate a T-cell based therapy for cancer.
Shpaisman Hagay
A device used for manipulation of intraocular particles within the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye by applying directional acoustic energy in specific patterns. The particles can be either moved to or from a desired location and can be reconfigured to predetermined shapes based on acoustic parameters.
Margel Shlomo
Preparation and use of free, entrapped, and surface bound hollow non-functional and functional SiO2 microparticles with controlled porosity for various applications (liquid solidification, superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, acceleration sensors, cosmetics, food, encapsulation, controlled release in liquid and gas phase, plastics, etc.)
Mandel Yossi
The invention relates to novel proteinoid-based nanocapsules (NCs) designed for non-invasive drug delivery to the retina via topical administration (eye drops). The nanocapsules are synthesized from tailored amino acid–based polymers that self-assemble into hollow nano-sized particles capable of encapsulating therapeutic agents. These biodegradable, non-toxic, and customizable nanocapsules enable penetration across ocular barriers and delivery of drugs to posterior eye tissues, including the retina and choroid, thereby potentially replacing invasive intravitreal injections. The invention includes specific proteinoid compositions optimized for enhanced retinal penetration, safety, and drug-loading capacity.
Magnezi Racheli
We have developed a model designed to predict re hospitalization in premature infants on the day of their discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The model's objective is to identify preterm infants who are likely to be readmitted during their first year of life from NICU discharge. This early identification enables a reduction in the multiple hospitalization days associated with these infants, estimated at a total of $3.3 million annually for a single hospital. The model aims to reduce the economic burden and focus on preventive medicine in Israel. The uniqueness of this model lies in its ability to present approximately 20 new parameters that have not been previously shown in parallel models in the literature. The predictive capability of the developed model has an accuracy of 0.79.
Zalevsky Zeev
Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements comprise an essential tool in modern medicine for the early diagnosis of glaucoma, the second leading cause of human blindness. The world's highest prevalence of glaucoma is in low-income countries. Current diagnostic methods require experience in running expensive equipment as well as the use of anesthetic eye drops. We present herein a remote photonic IOP biomonitoring method based on deep learning of secondary speckle patterns, captured by a fast camera, that are reflected from eye sclera stimulated by an external sound wave. By combining speckle pattern analysis with deep learning, high precision measurements are possible. The method was tested under artificially varying eye pressures on a series of 24 pig eyeballs, found to be similar to human eyes. As a low-cost procedure, it has the potential to meet clinical needs in low- and middle-income countries and at points of care everywhere.
Byk Gerardo
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a leading cause of incurable genetic blindness. Currently retinal gene therapies are mostly based on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors that are: i) limited in cargo size, limiting the delivery of large genes (e.g. MYO7A, a common cause for Usher 1B syndromic RP); ii) induce immune responses that may damage the retina, lower gene expression and preclude repeated treatment; iii) injected subretinally, treating a limited area, and associated with risks of retinal detachment and chorioretinal atrophy. Transient transfection in primary human non-dividing cells remains inefficient due to poor nuclear uptake and transient gene expression, typically lasting only 24–96 hours. Conventional methods like lipofection and electroporation often cause cytotoxicity and immune activation, reducing cell viability and reproducibility. Improved delivery systems are needed to overcome these barriers and achieve safe, targeted, and sustained transgene expression. We developed biodegradable nanohydrogels (NHGs) that form complexes with DNA. The new NHGs and their DNA complexes are devoid of cell toxicity, which, together with their tuned sizes, makes them potential tools for gene delivery and foreign protein expression. We demonstrate that these NHGs can be utilized to deliver genes to express foreign proteins in non-dividing human iPSC-retinal pigment epithelium cells, which are notoriously difficult to transfect. Controlling for DNA:NHG ratio, we can control for timing, duration, and levels of gene expression in human cells. Long duration of gene expression is easily achieved with protein expressed for at least 30 days post NHG treatment. Moreover, we developed a novel suprachoroidal delivery method that resulted in injected material distribution covering 80% of the retina in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. Thus, this invention includes: (1) a novel system for retinal gene therapy delivery for patients with retinal/macular degeneration; (2) a novel platform for sustained gene expression in human/other hard-to-transfect non-dividing primary cells that may be used for studying gene expression, disease etiology, etc.
