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ATLANTA – A Georgia State University microbiologist has made naturally occurring microorganisms key to helping to ensure that the fruits, vegetables and flowers reaching your table and vases are fresh.
The development by George Pierce, professor of biology, is just one way Georgia State is working to bring new knowledge discovered in the laboratory to the public marketplace, a key in forging new economic development in the Peach State.
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| George Pierce |
Pierce was one of several speakers at the University System of Georgia Chancellor’s Economic Development Forum held Dec. 3 at the Georgia State University Student Center.
The forum is focusing on how university system institutions are helping to bring about advances from the lab to the public marketplace, and in the process, becoming essential contributors of the state’s economic development.
“Research universities like Georgia State are making substantial contributions to the state’s economy through the translation of their discoveries and innovations that will impact Georgia markets and companies,” said James Weyhenmeyer, Georgia State’s vice president for research and economic development.
“Research institutions are also educating the next generation workforce that will be necessary for the growth of Georgia companies, from small businesses to multi-nationals.”
Pierce’s method uses the microorganism — no larger than the width of a human hair — to induce enzymes that extend the ripening time of fruits and vegetables, and keeps the blooms of flowers fresh.
The process does not involve genetic engineering or pathogens, but uses microorganisms associated with plants that are considered to be helpful and beneficial to them.
Pierce’s invention has been years in the making, with the original patents issued in 2007 for his method. The U.S. Patent Office has issued three, with several more in the application process. The Georgia State University Research Foundation owns the patents.
“One of the things you’re looking for from a university is the ability to translate ideas from the university to the public sector for use,” Pierce said. “The goal of having a patent is to protect the invention and the inventor, so you can practice the benefit to the public.”
Collaboration between universities and the private sector is critical in making new discoveries that will benefit the public, Pierce said.
“While we think of industry more from the commercialization side, people in a university are just as active in coming up with ideas,” he said. “This is one of the reasons why prior to the 1960s, the No. 1 supporter of research at U.S. universities was American industry. I think people now, with the economy being such as it is, are looking at industry to take a role again in research.”
Translational research — research that takes discoveries from the lab and applies them to the development of a method or product — can also help universities continue with their research missions.
“Research involved in translation going from concept to reality typically takes years,” Pierce said. “It represents a source of not only significant but long-term funding potential. Anytime you develop a concept that’s patentable and it’s an attractive patent, you get not only basic research funding, but the opportunity to have longer term translational research funded.”
For a more in-depth explanation of Pierce’s discovery, visit www.gsu.edu/39089.html. For more about research at Georgia State University, visit www.gsu.edu/gastate_research.html.
Dec. 3, 2012