In this technology, the inventors introduce additives to purposely change the morphology of polycaprolactone (PCL) by increasing the bending and twisting of crystalline lamellae. These morphological changes immobilize chain-ends preferentially at the crystalline/amorphous interfaces and limit chain-end accessibility by the embedded processive enzyme. This chain end redistribution reduces the polymer-to-monomer conversion from >95% to less than 50%, causing formation of highly crystalline plastic pieces including microplastics. By synergizing both random chain scission and processive depolymerization, it is feasible to navigate morphological changes in polymer/additive blends and to achieve near complete depolymerization. The random scission enzymes in the amorphous domains create new chain ends that are subsequently bound and depolymerized by processive enzymes. Present studies further highlight the importance to consider host polymer morphological effects on the reactions catalyzed by embedded catalytic species.This is part of a patent family in compostable plastics.  

The inventors have overexpressed heme biosynthesis genes in edible filamentous fungi to elevate heme levels beyond the endogenous levels already produced in these organisms. Overexpression of key biosynthetic enzymes, including a Heme Regulatory Motif (HRM) mutant in ALAS, as well as ALAD, UROD, HEMC, UROD, and FC, in different combinations in the edible filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae NSAR1, significantly increased heme levels up to 15-fold above the non-engineered background strain, as assessed by LC-MS. The fungal biomass is red in appearance and is used in meat replacement, including burgers, filets and other whole-cut formulations, bacon, and sausages. The invention gives fungal biomass a meat-like flavor.

The inventors demonstrate that polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated to cholesterol via an acid degradable linkage composed of an azide-benzaldehyde acetal has the potential to allow solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to be PEGylated with mole ratios up to 50%. The azide-benzaldehyde acetal, has its azide in the para position, and generates stable acetals with a t ½ of > 1000 minutes at pH 7.4. These PEG-acetals can be formulated into SLNs, and stored, and then reduced prior to biological use, to generate an amino acetal that has t ½ < 60 minutes at pH 7.4 and several minutes at pH 5.0. The ultra-PEGylated lipids were efficient at transfecting a variety of organs, including the muscle, the lung, spleen and liver and were also able to transfect the blood. Acid degradable PEG-lipids have great potential for overcoming the PEG dilemma, but have previously been challenging to develop due to the synthetic challenges associated with working with acetals and their instability at pH 7.4. (SLNs contain a PEGylated lipid, generally in the 1-5% range, which is needed to maintain SLN stability, size, and tissue diffusion, and lower toxicity. However, excessive PEGylation also results in lower cell uptake and endosomal disruption — a paradox referred to as the PEG dilemma.) The inventors anticipate numerous applications of the azide-benzaldehyde acetal linker, given its unique ability to be stable prior to reductive activation. 

The inventors have developed ion-selective potentiometric sensors for monitoring soil analytes with naturally degradable substrate, conductor, electrode, and encapsulant materials that minimize pollution and ecotoxicity. This novel sensor-creation method uses printing technologies for the measurement of nitrate, ammonium, sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphate, nitrite, and others. Monitoring soil analytes is key to precision agriculture and optimizing the health and growth of plant life. 

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an optical transceiver that uses compressive sensing to reduce bandwidth requirements and improve signal resolution.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an approach for integrating quantum computers into the existing internet backbone.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a system consisting of cameras and multi-wavelength lasers that is capable of precisely locating and inspecting items.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a heat exchanger produced by additive manufacturing that operates with high efficiency under high pressure and temperature conditions.