The transfer of basic research results into practical applications is a crucial step that allows discoveries and innovations to move beyond theoretical concepts and contribute to societal and economic progress. Scientific knowledge is thus transformed into functional technologies, medicines, materials, or processes that can significantly improve the quality of life. Effective transfer of knowledge and technologies often requires collaboration between universities, research institutions, industry, and other stakeholders to adapt discoveries to market needs and enable their real-world utilization.

Intellectual property protection plays a key role in this process. Patents and utility models provide inventors with legal protection, allowing them to benefit from the commercialization of their research. This ensures that investments in innovation have the potential for returns, which, in turn, motivates further research and development. Without appropriate protection, innovations could be quickly copied, potentially reducing economic benefits and slowing the pace of progress.

Securing patent protection thus contributes to the sustainability and growth of innovative projects. The Nanoprogress Cluster, as a leader in nanotechnology research in the Czech Republic over the past decade, has achieved numerous fascinating results, 17 of which are currently protected through patents or utility models. Among these is the key patent of the Method of and device for producing nanofibers by flooded electrostatic spinning, which forms the basis of a unique process for spinning polymers using alternating current (AC electrospinning). This technology allows for the high-productivity production of nanofibers with specific desired properties from hundreds of different polymers, thereby opening the door to practical applications primarily in filtration, biomedicine, food technology, environmental technologies, and more.

Thanks to this technology, patented candle filters capable of effectively removing particles ranging from nanometers to hundreds of micrometres, including viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, have been developed. These filters find wide applications in water purification, air filtration, and the filtration of food liquids. An innovative implementation of AC electrospinning technology involves the preparation of composite yarns with a core fiber covered by a nanofiber coating. These yarns boast high strength and an extensive active surface, closely mimicking the extracellular matrix of tissues, which promotes the growth of various cells and microorganisms within these structures. This positions composite yarns and fabrics made from them as ideal carriers for microbial biomass in bioreactors for water treatment, as well as unique surgical suture materials and implantable devices for regenerative medicine.

The development of AC electrospinning technology continues intensively, resulting in several additional patented spinning devices capable of producing nanofibers with higher productivity, better control over fiber parameters, specific added value through post-processing modifications, and broader application potential.