This invention is a modified yeast that can be fed to termites to produce and express peptides that destroy the protozoa responsible for wood digestion in the termites’ guts. The demise of these protozoa results in the death of the termites. The time required for the yeast to kill the termites is long enough to allow transfer of the yeast among colony mates. The peptide products of the modified yeast are very specific for the wood digesting protozoa and are effective in small amounts.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a system containing fish-attracting materials that are released over time into water through a pail container. The materials contain biochemical and natural substances effective for attracting fish but can be modified to incorporate other chemical fish attractants to further enhance the effectiveness or tune fish species specificity. The release rate can also be changed to suit a fisherman’s needs and potentially make a better catch.

AgCenter scientists have invented a new type of floating pitfall trap meant to capture and study insects and spiders associated with aquatic habitats and to determine their distributions within a certain location. The trap has superior performance in areas with increased amounts of aquatic vegetation and is designed for long-term use with minimal need for upkeep or replacement. The trap can be placed in hard-to-sample wet areas, allowing it to trap a wider variety of insects.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a novel oil-water separator that has no moving parts. The separator relies on the principles of physics and fluid flow in a U tube. The separator uses a simple diaphragm pump to suck in the oil/water mixture (in any ratio) and separate the components with over 99% efficiency. It is a very cost-effective technique for removing oil from water because there is no need for expensive and energy-intensive components like centrifuges.

A new material has been discovered that can mask bitter and biting flavors in food. Substances like glycerine, ethanol and potassium salts can be added to foods in greater quantities without a hindrance to taste. Glycerine can be used to control moisture in food and replace high fructose corn syrup, while potassium salts can be used to replace the more hazardous sodium salts.

This new group of compounds uses natural extracts to increase the solubility of drugs. Unlike other solubility-enhancing compounds, these will work on molecules of any size and will not slow down the speed at which drugs enter circulation and move throughout the body. This technology has been licensed. Please contact the AgCenter Office of Intellectual Property for information on partnering with our licensee.

A new method has been discovered to recycle the fruit waste product known as pomace into a tasty food ingredient high in antioxidants and fiber. As a waste byproduct, pomace is very affordable and can be cheaply processed into a valuable ingredient. Many of the sugars and calories are also removed during processing, making this a healthful way to get important nutrients.

LSU AgCenter scientists have invented a new method to increase the disease and fungal resistance in plants and crops. This process genetically modifies plants to produce and accumulate more antimicrobial peptides, which give a broad resistance to pathogens. This reduces the need for constant monitoring and treatment for plant- and crop-related diseases.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a method to purify fish oils and enrich them with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. These compounds are well known for their potential cardiovascular and mental health benefits. This method did not use chemicals to enrich fish oils with EPA and DHA or to the purify fish oils enriched with EPA and DHA. In experiments performed, the EPA and DHA fractions of the fish oil were increased by almost 18% in certain cases.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a novel fishing lure material that can enhance fish attractants. The material is biodegradable and water soluble, so it will not cause environmental harm if lost or ingested by fish. The material is also uniquely designed to contain and slowly release fish attractants, meaning that a small amount of attractant will last longer in a given area and potentially lure a larger number of fish.

A new type of nanostructure has been discovered that greatly increases wood’s resistance to water-related damage. The nanostructure makes any water that contacts wood to bead up and roll off the surface as opposed to seeping into it. By strengthening wood at the cellular level, this nanostructure will also protect wood from UV damage, weathering and fungi.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed methods to extract oil from fish that produces a product with fewer impurities, such as free fatty acids and peroxides. The lack of these impurities helps ensure that the oils will last longer and be more beneficial when ingested. Because the method can remove many impurities at once, fewer steps and less time are needed to produce high-quality oil.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed pretreatment methods to protect rice against major pathogens, such as Burkholderia glumae, and consequently prevent the development of serious rice diseases, such as panicle blight. Plants would not normally be able to tolerate the infection by certain types of pathogens. However, these pretreatments increase a plant’s pathogen resistance and subsequently allow it to survive the infection process. This will limit losses due to disease and improve yield.

This invention is a new type of mechanism that aims to couple the release of wakeboard bindings in order to prevent injuries. Normally, both feet are fixed onto the board by two separate bindings, and both the bindings and the rider remain on the board in the event of a crash. This wakeboard mechanism ensures that both feet are released from the bindings at the same time to prevent twisting of the knees or ankles caused by only one, or neither, foot being released.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a soybean whey rich in lunasin and the Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI). The lunasin- and BBI-rich dry powder is easy to use and transport. Lunasin and BBI are well known as anti-inflammatory compounds and anti-oxidants, both of which are useful for sport nutrition products.

AgCenter scientists have invented a vaccine and diagnostic for Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV). Studies with the vaccine have shown that it helps cattle’s immune system produce more BCoV antibodies to fight the disease and protects the herd from catching virus from other infected cattle. Elements of the vaccine can be purified to form an advanced diagnostic that can detect the presence of BCoV to help isolate and prevent future outbreaks.

The invention describes a new process for the creation of activated carbon (or charcoal) from fruit peels or other carbon-containing organic waste materials. The process dramatically increases the drying speed of the organic materials required to capture the carbon. Normally, such drying requires large amounts of energy and time, whereas the proposed method uses less energy and is much faster. The carbon is then activated, or made reactive, with chemicals in a special furnace.

The invention is a microfluidic device particularly well suited to mix chemical or particulate matter, even living cells. The device uses a unique geometry of microchannels that allows passive, nonenergy-intensive mixing of fluids. The geometry also allows a smooth flow of materials, which facilitates more biochemical reactions and avoids problems over multiple cycles. The system works equally well for both mixing thick and watery fluids. Making the device is a simple, single-layered process.

This invention relates to methods to create bio-oil from biomass, solid waste or other carbon-containing material. The process can also convert that oil into usable fuel. The biomass is heated into a vapor and then recondensed into oil. The bio-oil is upgraded into fuel either through the use of radio wave or microwave heating. Heating occurs evenly throughout the material, ensuring a more efficient conversion. The process also grants the bio-oil additional stability.

This invention relates to methods to purify ballast water in ships. Heating and ultrasonic processing have been demonstrated to address this problem. The heating method pumps the ballast water through a novel system that kills organisms and cycles the treated water back into the environment. The ultrasonic system kills organisms, cycles the treated water back into the environment and is particularly well suited for portable use.

This invention is a new set of DNA primers that allows scientists to test for live Salmonella. The unique primers, when combined with certain DNA amplification techniques, make many copies of a particular piece of DNA found in Salmonella so that various tests can detect the bacteria in very small samples of material. Chemicals are added to distinguish between living and dead cells, further increasing accuracy by making sure only living cells are copied.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a clarifying device that separates solid particles from liquid suspensions. Turbulent eddies are not created when liquid enters the clarifier, which increases the separation efficiency by preventing solids from being carried over into the clear liquid. The design also allows solids to settle faster and decreases the residence time in the system. The new clarifiers are estimated to cost 30-50% less compared with state-of-the-art clarifiers.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a method to extract oil from various lipid-containing sources such as seeds, soybeans or algae that can be turned into biofuel. The process uses microwave energy to break down the cell walls of materials to release the oil with a lesser need for solvents and a lower overall use of energy than mechanical methods such as grinding or pressing. This integrated, continuous process allows for faster oil extraction by using rapid heating and pressurization.

This invention is a new type of piling system that can quickly produce strong and durable posts and support structures. This pile expands in the ground to create a pocket that concrete can than be poured into for additional strength. The piling can resist wind force and rot and is relatively inexpensive to use and produce. The piles can be easily scaled down for residential applications or used for larger industrial applications.

LSU AgCenter scientists have discovered a new way to detoxify and recycle chromate copper arsenate-treated wood. This technique removes the CCA from the wood, allowing both to be used again for other purposes, such as the production of polymer materials and chemicals. The process is fast, requires few materials and removes more total chemicals than other methods currently available.

AgCenter scientists have invented a new decision support system to improve irrigation scheduling and the quality of harvested sweet potatoes. The system maximizes the number of sweet potato storage roots through the use of a small group of solar-powered sensors. It can also determine proper irrigation rates and schedules and forecast potential yield to profitability. The system’s data are accessible through mobile phones, web-based applications and text messages to maximize convenience.

AgCenter scientists have discovered a novel use for rice hulls as a biofiltration medium. The high amount of surface area, low carbon content and unique shape promote the growth of bacteria that degrade pollutants. Because rice hulls are waste materials, they are readily available and affordable for use. In addition, their high silica content prevents them from degrading quickly.

This invention is a phosphorous and ammonia removal system for livestock farms. The device treats wastewater to separate the compounds in solid form and returns clean, treated water. Both the phosphorus and processed ammonia can be used as common fertilizers or reprocessed for agricultural and nonagricultural uses. Using this device can lower the amount of phosphorous and ammonia that enters the environment as well as remove 99.9999 percent of coliform bacteria to ensure a cleaner farm.

AgCenter scientists have developed a new encapsulation formulation to increase the solubility of statin and icariin compounds. The increase in solubility was tens of thousands fold for both compounds according to lab experiments. This can greatly increase the bioavailability, or absorption into the body, of statin- and icariin-related drugs. Both concepts have been formulated into powders with relatively high drug loads. All ingredients used in the process are natural.

This is a new method to approximate and analyze the Glycemic Index (GI) for foods that contain carbohydrates and sugars by using a unique mixture of enzymes. No test subjects or blood samples are needed; only a small sample of the food you wish to analyze. This fast, accurate and cost-effective method can help companies measure and lower GI in their products.

AgCenter scientists have created a new type of spicy and delicious hot sauce that does not require fermentation before using. This reduces storage time and cost and gets the product to the customer faster.

This invention is a method of identifying Chinese tallow tree seeds at various stages of maturity. It can be incorporated into a harvester to provide quick and accurate harvesting of the seeds. This ensures minimal damage to other nearby crops and increases the amount of seeds gathered. Due to the rapid growth and invasive nature of the Chinese tallow tree, this will be useful whether you wish to use the seeds as a resource or eliminate them as a pest.

This invention is a method to greatly enhance the cancer-fighting effectiveness of natural oil extracts and incorporate them into food. Confections and fried foods can gain an anti-carcinogenic benefit and still taste great. The extract does not require high doses to be effective, and there is no risk to normal cells or toxicity.

This invention is a new product that completely eliminates the burning sensation from consuming spicy foods and hot sauces. It can be produced in either tablet or liquid form and should be taken right after consuming a spicy dish. With this technology, you can take the bite out of your next bite to eat and enjoy a wider range of hot foods and flavors.

AgCenter scientists have discovered a new natural extract that prevents bread from molding. Bread treated with this substance is stable for eight days at room temperate without any mold growth. This allows customers to enjoy their bread over a longer period and reduces the risk of eating bread with fungus on it.

AgCenter scientists have developed a new method to add coenzyme Q10 and other materials that are not well absorbed by the body to a wide variety of food products. Both the solubility and the absorption by the gastrointestinal tract are increased, leading to maximum usage efficiency. With this technology, meats, dairy products, and eggs can all deliver significant amounts of Q10 to the body. Q10 has been linked to reducing migraines and lowering blood pressure, making it a must for your meals.

This invention is a new type of carbohydrate that increases the bulk and satiety of food. These carbohydrates increase the amount of fiber and decrease the number of calories in food without affecting the taste, smell, or cooking characteristics. This makes them ideal for weight management because increasing fullness will lead to people eating less and being healthier. These carbohydrates can be used in many types of snacks and tasty treats like health bars and cookies.

AgCenter scientists have created a partial substitute for bleached flour used in the preparation of baked goods and pastas. Using this new substitute adds omega 3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid to the final product. These compounds offer many benefits to the heart, lower insulin resistance and can help to fight certain types of cancer.

This is a new, all-natural process to extract higher amounts of lutein from corn. After corn has been processed by this unique method, almost 25 percent more lutein can be extracted. Lutein is a strong antioxidant that can reduce eyesight degeneration and may reduce certain forms of cancer. This makes its increase in the diet quite valuable to young and old consumers alike.

AgCenter scientists have invented a new method to add fenugreek to a wide variety of foods and drinks. Meats, breads, eggs, muscadine juice and tea can all contain a high-enough level of fenugreek to help prevent glucose absorption and lower the glycemic index of the food or drink. This is important for both weight maintenance and managing diabetes as high glycemic index and high-sugar foods contribute to obesity and diabetes.

A new natural plant extract has been discovered that inhibits cell signaling pathways to prevent certain cells from communicating and growing. By strongly inhibiting multiple cell signaling pathways, such as mTOR and P13K/Akt, this new material can eliminate very late-stage prostate cancers that have previously been difficult to treat. It also can block certain proteins and enzymes linked to diabetes, obesity and tissue inflammation.

This invention is a novel combination of natural extracts that has the ability to strongly inhibit the development of blood vessels that feed cancer and other diseases related to blood vessel growth, such as psoriasis. The synergistic interaction of these materials increases efficacy, and the body can readily absorb the extracts through the skin. This material also has shown promise in vitro to overcome cells’ natural drug resistance and defenses.

AgCenter scientists have invented a new gene-transfer vector. The vector minimizes size and maximizes biological activity to make more copies of a desired gene. The genes can be more effectively transferred into the DNA of a crop plant to make it have desired characteristics, such as insect and herbicide resistance. The vector can also be used to transfer a desired gene to human and animal cells, fungi, bacteria and other organisms.

This invention is a new type of treatment for Aspergillosis, a type of fungal infection. This infection is particularly deadly, causing blood clots and impairment of the lungs. Usually infecting those with suppressed immune systems, Aspergillus is present in the general environment and can be inhaled from anywhere. This new treatment can overcome the organism’s normal drug resistance and offers new hope to those who suffer from infection.

This invention is new way to extract glycomacropeptide (GMP) from dairy products. One can obtain very high GMP yields with astounding purity using this method. Expensive machinery, like a chromatographer, is not required for this process, leading to substantial savings. GMP extracted by this method can be further modified and used for many food applications and treatments for phenylketonuria (PKU).

AgCenter scientists have discovered a new ash-based wood treatment to reduce water penetration and movement in wood and prevent boron leaching. This invention adds small fillings into the void spaces in wood, trapping the boron inside the wood and keeping wood-degrading organisms out of it. Unlike many treatments, this can be used with wood for exterior construction like decking and fencing.

LSU AgCenter scientists have created a new rice line with a brilliant purple color. This variety has an increased level of antioxidants. It also has a much higher quality than rice of similar types and possesses many long-grain characteristics, such as very tall stalks and fewer days to maturity.

AgCenter scientists have discovered a new, all-natural method to increase the solubility of all-natural colorants. Certain natural colorants have antioxidants that can be imparted to the end product. These healthier colorants, like carotenoids, can be used instead of synthetics and can increase the color range and clarity in many water-based products such as juice, pasta and ice cream.

A new substance has been discovered that more effectively deters termites from feeding on wood or cellulose and kills most of their colony. Termites that feed on the substance will die; termites given a choice of feed materials will not eat the treated material. This substance is nontoxic to mammals and is effective in very small amounts.

This invention is a new type of device that can measure any parameter of liquid or gas moving through a continuously flowing electromagnetic system. This device measures parameters of materials at multiple points inside the electromagnetic field to get a more accurate and detailed reading of potential hot and cold spots. This helps ensure a consistent end product, reduces wasted materials during testing and can eliminate potential hazards from improper processing.

This device is a temperature control system that controls and measures metabolic heat in cell cultures. Using infrared, this system eliminates outside interference from the surrounding devices and the environment to quickly provide the clearest resolution and the most accurate measurement of cellular heat. It can also test a large number of cells at once, meaning less time is spent testing.

A new method has been developed to detect the presence of spiroplasma in humans and animals. Determining the amount of spiroplasma present can help to diagnose transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and scrapie. This method can also detect the antigens of spiroplasma, further increasing the chances of finding cures to these life-threatening diseases.

This invention is a new method and device to oxygenate water for use in ponds and waste treatment plants. A very simple and energy-efficient device is inserted into water. It distributes oxygen evenly and creates ammonia-destroying films. It does not requires commercial pressure systems to operate, thus leading to energy and equipment savings.

This invention is a new type of glue made from soybeans. Wu Glue uses a unique combination of biological materials to give it a great deal of strength and water resistance. It also does not contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, urea and phenols. The product is green, biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a product manufacturers can stick with for a long time to come.

This invention is a new type of reactor that combines the processes of biomass washing and hydrolysis into one easy step. This is a continuous process that saves on energy and machinery by replacing several mixing processes. In this device, the biomass is progressively liquefied and treated with enzymes to ensure that materials are efficiently converted into potential fuel.

LSU AgCenter scientists have developed a new method to produce effectively hybrid cotton seeds. This approach will enhance cross-pollination and isolate only the desired hybrid seed. It also ensures the most efficient use of labor and chemicals, allowing farmers to save money on both and ensuring quality seed to satisfy customer needs.

AgCenter scientists have created a new molecule to stop atherosclerosis. The molecule prevents plaque from building on and sticking to the artery walls, reducing the chances of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It functions as an antioxidant designed to stick to plaque better and prevent more from forming.