National Cancer Institute: Development of a Molecular Rotation Engine

An opportunity for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is available for collaboration with the NCI Intramural Division of Basic Sciences for the development of an ATP-driven, molecular-based rotation engine. The opportunity is open to a multi or single party collaboration that would require the input of molecular biology and genetic engineering experience on the part of the potential collaborator or collaborators.

AGENCY:

National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, PHS, DHHS.

ACTION:

Notice of Opportunity for Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.

SUMMARY:

Pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (FTTA, 15 U.S.C. 3710; Executive Order 12591 of April 10, 1987 as amended by the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the Public Health Service (PHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other company that possesses the ability to assist in the development and commercialization of the described technology. CRADA proposals for development of this technology should include the development of a prototype. The CRADA would have an expected duration of one (1) to five (5) years. The goals of the CRADA will include the rapid publication of research results and timely commercialization of any products that result from the research. The CRADA Collaborator or Collaborators will have an option to negotiate the terms of an exclusive or nonexclusive commercialization license to subject inventions arising under the CRADA.

ADDRESSES:

Proposals and questions about this CRADA opportunity may be addressed to Mr. Kevin Brand, Technology Development & Commercialization Branch, National Cancer Institute—Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, Fairview Center, 1003 West Seventh Street, Room 502, Frederick, MD 20852, Telephone: (301) 846-5222; Facsimile: (301) 846-6820.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Organizations must submit a proposal summary of one page or less, to NCI on or before November 13, 2000. Guidelines for preparing full CRADA proposals will be communicated shortly thereafter to all respondents with whom initial discussions will have established sufficient mutual interest.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Technology Available

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a pending patent application related to the development of a molecular-based rotation engine. The engine is constructed of two cylinders, one inner and one outer whose inner surfaces are coated with oriented mobility or contractile proteins. In the presence of ATP the cylinders rotate relative to each other. Speed of relative rotation is controlled by the concentration of ATP or by nesting a series of cylinders inside each other. Power is controlled by adjusting the length of the cylinders. One advantage of this technology over other macroscopic motors is that it can be used to supply power to prosthetic implants and medical devices without the drawbacks associated with conventional power sources. Other advantages are that the motor operates at room temperature, and that fuels can be prepared from sugar, so the motor does not contribute to carbon dioxide pollution and the waste products are biologically safe. The NCI, in accordance with the regulations governing the transfer of agents which the Government has taken an active role in developing (37 CFR 404.8), is seeking a biotechnology, pharmaceutical or other similarly situated company which can develop a working model of this molecular engine and has the ability to make it commercially available. Those potential collaborators interested in reviewing NCI's pending patent application on this technology should contact J.P. Kim at the National Institutes of Health, Office of Technology Transfer, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Telephone (301) 496-7056; Facsimile (301) 496-0220.

The role of the National Cancer Institute in this CRADA may include, but not be limited to:

1. Providing intellectual, scientific, and technical expertise and experience related to the development of a prototype molecular-based engine.

1. Providing collaborator or collaborators access to confidential information relating to the pending patent application which embodies this technology.

2. Planning research studies and interpreting research results.

3. Publishing research results.

The role of the CRADA Collaborator may include, but not be limited to:

1. Providing significant intellectual, scientific, and technical expertise or experience for the development of a prototype molecular-based engine.

Collaborators must have expertise in standard molecular biology: Gene construction, cloning and protein isolation. Experience in genetic engineering is essential. Other areas of expertise would include silicon micromachining and past work in nanotechnology.

2. Providing technical and financial support to facilitate scientific goals, as well as personnel and laboratory space.

3. Assume responsibility for the commercialization, marketing and distribution of such a molecular engine should a sound prototype be developed.

4. Planning research studies and interpreting research results.

5. Publishing research results.

Selection criteria for choosing the CRADA Collaborator may include, but not be limited to:

1. The ability to collaborate with NCI on the research and development of this technology. The ability to collaborate with NCI can be demonstrated through experience and expertise in this or related areas of technology indicating the ability to contribute intellectually to ongoing research and development.

2. The demonstration of adequate resources to perform the research and development of this technology (e.g. facilities, personnel and expertise) and accomplish objectives according to an appropriate timetable to be outlined in the CRADA Collaborator's proposal.

3. The willingness to commit best effort and demonstrated resources to the research anddevelopment of this technology, as outlined in the CRADA Collaborator's proposal.

4. The demonstration of expertise in the commercial development and production of products related to this area of technology.

5. The level of financial support the CRADA Collaborator will provide for CRADA-related Government activities.

6. The willingness to cooperate with the National Cancer Institute in the timely publication of research results.

7. The agreement to be bound by the appropriate DHHS regulations relating to human subjects, and all PHS policies relating to the use and care of laboratory animals.

8. The willingness to accept the legal provisions and language of the CRADA with only minor modification, if any. These provisions govern the distribution of patent rights to CRADA inventions. Generally, the rights of ownership are retained by the organization that is the employer of the inventor, with (1) the grant of a license for research and other Government purposes to the Government when the CRADA Collaborator's employee is the sole inventor, or (2) the grant of an option to elect an exclusive or nonexclusive license to the CRADA Collaborator when the Government employee is the sole inventor.