Ploughshare Innovations Ltd.
Unit 2, Nine Mile Water Business Park, Nether Wallop, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 8DR United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 1794 301602
© Ploughshare Innovations Ltd 2010
Dstl’s research is held in the highest regard with a worldwide reputation.
Biomedical, Clinical & Pharmaceutical
Biomedical, Clinical & Pharmaceutical – Fitting Technology for Industry
Within this broad scientific area, our technology falls into the following categories:
- Vaccine Development
- Skin-care/Cosmetic
- Diagnostic Tools & Infection prevention
- Detection/Decontamination
Brief summaries of our specialist solutions are given below, and you can also download information sheets in pdf format (just enter your email address when prompted to initiate the required document download).
In a sector that requires such extensive timescales for testing and regulation, the level of development undertaken by Dstl offers your organisation clear value. It means that the technology we provide can help you go to market far more quickly and cost effectively, when compared to ‘starting from fresh’.
By licensing our technology you are benefiting from a £350+ Million R&D budget and the capabilities of 2500+ scientists.
(Ultra Sound) Apparatus for Directing Particles
Particles entrained in a fluid can be directed using sound waves in conjunction with a walled containment structure in which the first and second wall define a conduit for the passage of the fluid. To discuss applications and to receive more details contact us directly: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A (Leaky) Waveguide Structure
A novel single point leaky waveguide structure and its use as an optical sensor for the detection of particles.
The waveguide structure is fabricated to increase the overlap of the evanescent field extension from the sensor surface with particles in the bulk solution of a flowing system so as to place most of the volume of the particles with the evanescent field. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
An Electrostatic Precipitator
A precipitator that can provide a more concentrated sample in a smaller volume with high efficiency collection and substantially reduced energy requirements (e.g. portable without a generator). This means it will displace cyclone systems and could enter into non-cyclone markets- such as interior environmental monitoring. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Antibody Fragments
Antibody pharmaceutical compositions that can neutralise the effects of toxins, whether derived from microbes, plants, snakes, insects or synthetic poisons, including toxins administered as therapeutics, e.g. botulinum toxin. The composition describes a mixture of an intact antibody, or large antibody fragment, together with a smaller second antibody fragment.
Antimicrobial fusion peptides
Antimicrobial fusion peptides result from “fusing” or joining different peptides to form a new polypeptide with properties that could be different from the original peptides. Combining or fusing active peptides may be particularly advantageous against pathogens not previously sensitive to other antimicrobials, with greater efficacy and increased stability potentially being achieved as a result.
Assay Method
A method of monitoring the temperature of a biochemical reaction such as an amplification reaction is described. This is achieved by effecting the reaction in the presence of a flourescently labelled temperature probe DNA sequence which comprises a double stranded region which denatures at a predetermined temperature, resulting in a detectable signal occuring and temperature to be determined. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Bacillus Expression System
An improved Bacillus subtilis protein expression system suitable for the production of exogenous proteins of interest.
Brucella Vaccine Antigens
Dstl scientists, in collaboration with the VLA, have identified vaccine antigens against Brucella. Vaccine candidates against Brucellosis have demonstrated the ability to induce sterile immunity without the drawbacks of traditional live and modified vaccines.
Clostridium Perfringens Antibody Vaccines
Novel peptides and vaccines that can induce antibody production directed against Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin (CPa) in animals to which they are administered, thereby providing prophylaxis against infection by Clostridium perfringens and/or the alpha-toxin itself; for more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Detection System Using Nanospheres
Many detection systems employ a procedure whereby a soluble analyte is first captured and then detected by a secondary ligand binding to it and affording a signal.The generated signal can be released in to the entire sample volume and become diluted.By using Liposomes laden with signal generating reagents and by the method employed dilution is prevented and sensitivity is maintained. For more details .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Early Sepsis Detection
Post-operative or post-traumatic sepsis remains one of the leading causes of disease and death in hospital populations. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid a high (>30%) death rate. Dstl has identified a panel of real time PCR biomarkers that can discriminate between patients with sepsis, with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), or with neither condition, days before clinical symptoms are seen.
Enhanced Vaccine Adjuvant
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in the UK have developed a method to encapsulate vaccine antigens with immunostimulatory molecules. This stimulates a specific immune response which enhances the activity of the vaccine and improves stability.
Humane Rodenticide
The £200m rodenticide manufacturing market is dominated by products based upon anticoagulants. However, due to issues of concern regarding humaneness, toxicity (resistance) and safety there is increasing pressure upon the industry to develop new products.
Manipulation of Particles in Liquids
An apparatus that pushes cells or other particles from one fluid in a laminar flow into a second fluid flow, but without mixing the liquids. There are no moving parts and disposable chambers prevent cross-contamination.
Non formaldehyde toxoiding
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in the UK have developed a method to treat a toxin to produce a toxoid for use in vaccines that does not involve the use of formaldehyde. These toxoids are more stable, quicker to produce and avoid the toxicity associated with formaldehyde.
Nucleic Acid Detection and Measurement
The presence of Nucleic acid in a sample can be measured by dividing in to separate wells, subjecting to an amplification reaction and cycling and then determining the target sequence in each well enabling calculation of the extent of the acid. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Photoprotective Liposomes (Protection of light sensitive active ingredients)
Active Ingredient protection from UV light by enclosing active ingredients in personal care formulations within a liposome formulation.
Population Monitoring
A system for monitoring a live population e.g. for outbreaks of disease and data reporting to a remote station for analysis. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Protein Expression Peptide Tags
This novel peptide tag allows recombinant proteins to be easily immobilised onto a surface, and also improves their expression and production.
Sample Collection using Lateral Flow Strips
A robust and easy to use device has been developed for swabbing surfaces and the sample run on several different lateral flow test strips. A range of materials from explosives to bacterial contamination can be tested for. The sample is retained in the device for subsequent analysis, or as forensic evidence.
Single dose mucosal vaccines
This new method of encapsulating biological molecules allows their use as effective mucosal vaccines in just a single dose. The vaccines are delivered to the mucosal surfaces in a way that stimulates the immune response required for a protective effect, and can be combined with immunostimulatory substances for an enhanced response.
Vaccine Vector System
Protein expression can be enhanced at mucosal effector sites by use of a promoter (SEQ ID No. 2,3 or 4). Constructs used in the methods, as well as suitable recombinant gut-colonising microorganisms such as a Salmonella spp are also described and claimed. Such organisms are useful in the preparation of vaccines. For more details: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Humanised Antibody
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne disease of equines and humans, causing serious disease and fatalities. Dstl scientists have developed a humanised antibody technology which could be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis.
WIBS real time bio-aerosol monitoring
An instrument that can deliver reagent-free, real-time, continuous monitoring of bio-aerosols. This could be used for monitoring of bio-aerosol loads at composting sites, detecting indoor mould spores, environmental research or pharmaceutical clean rooms.