ORNL-TT-2026-02

UT-Battelle, LLC, managing the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under a Department of Energy prime contract, is seeking commercialization partners for methods involving immunoregulation by modulating Plasminogen-Apple-Nematode (PAN) domain-containing proteins. This special notice, identified by solicitation number ORNL-TT-2026-02, specifically targets the licensing of patent-pending technology 4200, which identifies a protein domain that modulates host-cell invasion. While this domain facilitates colonization by beneficial symbionts, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it also enables infection by pathogens and parasites across eukaryotic organisms. The invention demonstrates that engineering specific amino acids within this domain can either induce defense responses to prevent infection or facilitate host-cell invasion by bacteria, fungi, and obligate parasites.

The ORNL Technology Transfer Office is accepting license applications for this technology through April 27, 2026. The primary place of performance is Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the point of contact for this opportunity is Leslie Smith. This requirement is classified under NAICS 541713 for Research and Development in Nanotechnology. In addition to the primary protein domain technology, the notice includes five attachments providing metadata for related technologies, including methods for cryogenic extrusion recirculation, a tritium-compatible cryogenic screw extruder, a tritium-compatible cryogenic pellet gas gun, and a pressure relief device for cryogenic fusion fuels.