Chemistry Professor Robert McGaff pioneers eco-friendly innovations with new patent

Posted 8:12 a.m. Thursday , Nov. 14 , 2024

Chemistry Professor Robert McGaff pioneers eco-friendly innovations with new patent

At the UW-La Crosse, Chemistry Professor Robert McGaff is making significant strides in scientific research while staying true to his dedication to environmental stewardship. His most recent research has culminated in a U.S. patent awarded to WiSys, an organization focused on promoting scientific innovation within the Universities of Wisconsin. This patent, issued on Nov. 5, marks McGaff's third and is specifically aimed at creating a method for the oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds.

In 2016, McGaff received the Innovator of the Year award, WiSys' top honor for innovators at UW regional universities. He has continued to innovate since then, producing multiple innovations, each with significant potential for impact, notes Tony Hanson, WiSys manager of Intellectual Property and Licensing.

"His passion extends to his mentorship of numerous students who have worked side-by-side with him on these projects and engaged in other innovation programs like the WiSys Student Ambassador program," says Hanson. "We are excited about the potential of his innovations and grateful for his engagement and collaboration."

McGaff's patented method for creating products through chemical reactions emphasizes both cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. By using iron-based catalysts and simple, non-toxic reactants to initiate oxidation reactions, his work holds promise for a variety of industries, including manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

A central tenet of McGaff's research is that green chemistry can only make a significant positive impact if adopted on a large, commercial scale. This principle drives him to consider not only environmental benefits but also cost, profit and performance. His explorations into diverse reactants such as ambient air and catalyst supports like charcoal -highlight his innovative approach. While his methods are still being optimized, securing this third patent signifies that McGaff and his team are making meaningful strides.

"My love for the outdoors has shaped my perspective," McGaff explains. "I believe we're here to take care of our planet. As a chemist, I strive to do that through my research."

He emphasizes to his students that it is possible to conduct exceptional work that is both competitive and environmentally responsible. "That's a simple principle we should all aspire to."

McGaff's collaboration with WiSys began over a decade ago when he connected with fellow UWL researchers who had successfully navigated funding and patent processes. Initially attracted by financial support, he soon recognized WiSys as a vital partner in commercializing discoveries and understanding intellectual property.

"While my focus was primarily on green chemistry, I realized that making my work impactful means addressing real-world problems," McGaff notes. WiSys has not only provided consistent funding but has also facilitated connections with industry professionals and researchers across the UW System, enriching McGaff's research initiatives.

"They're not just a funding source; they feel like colleagues," he adds, reflecting on WiSys's role in supporting research groups on campus.

If commercial entities adopt the technologies developed under McGaff's guidance through licensing agreements, it could lead to widespread implementation of greener methods.

In his lab, McGaff typically mentors four students at a time, fostering their growth as researchers. "I try to involve them as freshmen so by their senior year, they're generating their own ideas," he says.

One such student, sophomore biochemistry major Davin Evans, led his own line of research this past summer using an eco-friendly catalyst called FeLX, which McGaff previously patented. "Starting my research experience in my first year is invaluable and will set me up for future success," Evans shares.

Using FeLX, Evans has been conducting oxidation reactions with sulfur-containing compounds, transforming them into disulfides with significant industrial potential. "With more time, we aim to enhance the efficiency of this reaction to surpass older, less eco-friendly methods," he explains. "This research experience has solidified my goal of attending graduate school."

McGaff emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific research. "It's not about a solitary figure in a lab," he states. "My students are exceptional, and nothing happens in isolation."

Learn more about studying Chemistry and Biochemistry at UWL.

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