SAM #S-133639

Licensing Opportunity for Peptoid-Based Chelating Ligands from Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), managed by Triad National Security, LLC for the Department of Energy, is offering a licensing opportunity for its patented Peptoid-Based Chelating Ligands technology. - Opportunity is for licensing patented platform chemistry (US Patent Nos. 11,254,708 and 11,859,018) - Technology enables tunable cyclic peptoid ligands for selective binding of hard metal ions (actinides, lanthanides) - Ligands are resistant to hydrolysis, suitable for demanding environments - Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing to existing or start-up companies - Applications include: - Environmental remediation - Medical chelation therapy - Medical imaging - Drug delivery - Metal separations and purification - Radiotherapy support - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors; technology developed by LANL - Not a solicitation for services or development contracts—strictly a technology licensing opportunity - Place of performance is Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545

Description

Peptoid-based chelating ligands offer a tunable platform for capturing and holding specific metal ions with high selectivity while resisting breakdown under physiological conditions. The technology combines structural flexibility with strong binding performance, which creates a practical path for applications where existing chelators fall short, including difficult metal removal in biological, environmental and separation settings.

How it Works

Peptoid-Based Chelating Ligands uses cyclic peptoid scaffolds, which are peptoid chains closed into ring structures and decorated with side chains chosen for metal binding. By changing the ring size, side-chain chemistry and spacing between binding groups, the ligand can be adjusted to favor certain hard metal ions, especially actinides and lanthanides.

Technical Description

Peptoids differ from peptides because their side chains attach to nitrogen rather than to carbon, which makes them more resistant to hydrolysis under physiological conditions. That stability matters because many conventional chelators can lose activity in the body or in harsh process streams, while peptoid-based structures are designed to remain intact long enough to bind and hold the target metal.

The invention describes cyclic peptoid ligands that can be built from linear peptoids and then cyclized, with the binding profile tuned through functional groups such as catecholates, phosphonates, amines, guanidinium groups, phosphoramidates, N-hydroxypyridones and CMPO-like groups. Linker length, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and the number of coordinating groups can be adjusted to improve selectivity for specific ions and to support either tight retention for removal or controlled release after capture.

Advantages

Strong selectivity for hard metal ions, including actinides and lanthanides Greater resistance to hydrolysis than many natural chelators Modular design that allows tuning for different metals and uses Potential use across medical, imaging and separation applications Ability to adjust water compatibility or lipid compatibility depending on the target environment Built from a platform chemistry that can be adapted to different side-chain combinations

Market Applications

Environmental Remediation and Waste Handling (actinide capture and metal cleanup) Medical Chelation Therapy (treatment support for metal poisoning) Medical Imaging (contrast-agent development) Drug Delivery (carrier or targeting chemistry) Separations and Purification (selective recovery of valuable metals) Radiotherapy Support (targeted metal-based delivery systems)

TRL 4

US Patent Nos. 11,254,708; 11,859,018

LA-UR-26-23913

LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential

Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.

LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology

m.lanl.gov/tech-search

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