Research Park New Companies

Category : Research Park
Posted on: June 18, 2010

Aptimmune Biologics, Inc. 
The company is developing the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) vaccine for swine based on a proprietary cell line known as ZMAC. This economically important pandemic disease causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. The disease costs the United States swine industry around $600 million annually. The vaccine has been under development for the last decade in the UIUC lab of the company founder, Dr. Federico Zuckermann, Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology in the UI College of Veterinary Medicine. The company has newly become an Affiliate Tenant of EnterpriseWorks. 

Dioxide Materials, Inc. 
Dioxide Materials is new startup developing technology for the conversion of CO2 into fuels and chemicals via artificial photosynthesis from Professor Rich Masel’s research labs. The company also plans to work on designs for the controls in a HVAC system that can adjust ventilation rates and make other changes in response to allergens and pollutants in a home. The company is working on agreements with major customers for both of these technologies to bring the technologies forward. The company is moving into EnterpriseWorks lab space on July 1, 2010. Founder Prof. Rich Masel, is also a founder of Cbana Laboratories and Tekion (other EnterpriseWorks companies). He recently retired from the department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Illinois after 32 years at the University. He also held appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Sciences and Engineering; Professor Masel is a world recognized expert on adsorption and reaction on solid surfaces.