The CSIC has developed a process to obtain furfuryl alcohol based on the continuous gas-phase hydrogenation of furfural with formic acid as a source of hydrogen. It uses catalysts based on metal nanoparticles that avoid metals harmful to health and the environment. Companies in the chemical or pharmaceutical sector interested in further developing the process are sought.

CSIC scientists have developed a new chiral zeolitic material for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral products. The scientists point out that its particular structure allows the processing of large molecules. Pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies interested in licensing the patent for the development of synthesis processes are sought.

Scientists at CSIC and at the University of Bologna have developed a method for the removal of calcium carbonate crystals on surface of cultural heritage and artworks by means of a light source at a specific wavelength. Industrial partners are being sought to collaborate through a patent licence agreement.

CSIC scientists have developed and patented an analogous molecule of the PM567 laser colorant. These compounds are stable and can attach to biomolecules by means of ‘click’ chemistry. They can be bond to very diverse molecules and their production process is easily scalable. Main applications are the biomedical ones. Companies of the chemical sector interested in their commercial exploitation are sought.

CSIC scientists have developed and patented a hydrogel formed exclusively by lipids dispersed in a large amount of water, without the need of using surfactants or polymers. This fact avoids risk of irritations or adverse responses in case of medical applications. This material is biocompatible and favors the transport of drugs through topical, ocular or mucous routes.

One of the strategies for reducing the impact of climatic change is finding processes to reuse greenhouse gases and therefore avoiding their emission to the air. Scientists at the CSIC have developed a catalyst for reusing and transforming CO2 and methane and obtaining syngas.

The Instituto de Química Avanzada de Catalunya of the CSIC, the Technische Universität Darmstadt and the Spanish company Sustainable Momentum have developed and patented a selective biocatalyst, which is efficient and ecologic. It enables the synthesis of organic molecules copying natural processes and avoiding the use of like-palladium metals.

A group of biocompatible cationic surfactants derived from the histidine, an amino acid, have been obtained. These surfactants are non-toxic and have antimicrobial activity. They could be used in food, cosmetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.