An invention to help reduce accidents in hospitals and laboratories is a step closer to commercial success after its creator tapped into university expertise
Entrepreneur Anant Ghelani has teamed up with ProspectIP, an innovation initiative of De Montfort University (DMU), to develop his product for the safe opening of glass vials.
Glass vials, widely used to store small amounts of liquid such as vaccines and medicines, can be problematic to open.
Currently most are opened by holding the body of the vial in one hand and breaking off the pre-scored tip with the other hand.
This creates a danger of shattering which can cause injury, spillage and contamination.
Ghelani, a geneticist from Loughborough, worked as a research pharmacologist for 30 years and came up with the idea after seeing many accidents with vials.
His device holds the vial in a resealable container, which breaks off the top and keeps it in a unique snap-cap until it can be safely disposed of.
A guard in the snap-cap prevents slivers of glass dispersing and a moveable base and lid allows the device to hold different sized vials.
Ghelani worked on the invention for a few years before seeking help from ProspectIP at DMU in Leicester, which will provide a package of support worth almost £30,000.
He is now working with the university's experts in intellectual property and product design.
ProspectIP part-funds the development of such innovations while allowing the owner to retain intellectual property rights.
The device, aimed at medical staff, scientists and pharmaceutical and biotechnology workers, could be available later this year.
Ghelani said: "This simple, portable device can be part of the kit of any doctor, nurse or paramedic to help them handle glass vials safely, as well as providing convenient storage for opened vials.
"Working with ProspectIP at DMU means that the design and development of the product can advance to a level where it is ready for market".
Derek Palmer, head of innovation at ProspectIP, said: "Our aim is to help commercialise innovative ideas and concepts, releasing latent intellectual property to stimulate economic growth in the East Midlands.
"By providing a fully managed exploitation process we can support businesses and individuals to maximise their potential."
