INTARG is an international trade fair that connects innovators with businesses. During the event, new technologies, inventions, and solutions for industry and the economy are presented. The best projects receive medals and other awards. The event is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Development and Technology.
Modern solutions in medicine and biotechnology recognized
- Device for collecting biological samples from a patient’s nasal cavity
The project was developed by Professor Edyta Krzych-Fałta from the the Department of Nursing Propedeutics at WUM.
The technology which she developed enables the collection of biological material from the nose in the form of nasal lavage samples, which facilitates the diagnosis of allergies, supports the assessment of inflammatory mediators, and improves the effectiveness of treatment in patients with allergic or local rhinitis. - Method for identifying progenitor cells, progenitor cells and their applications
The authors of the project are Professor Magdalena Kucia and Dr. Agnieszka Łukomska from the Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine at WUM.
The researchers developed a tool for studying cellular diversity and the plasticity of the visual system using the Nectin-3 marker to precisely isolate rare retinal cell populations with a molecular profile resembling an embryonic state. Their solution enables accurate cell selection without the need for complex genetic modifications.
In the future, this invention may point to new molecular targets for research into human therapies.
The invention was also honored with a Special Award from the Indonesian Invention and Innovation Promotion Association (INNOPA) for the highest standard of excellence. - Method for the preparation of 5-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyloxy)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone
The authors of the project are scientists from the Faculty of Pharmacy at WUM: Dr. Michał Nowacki, Prof. Maciej Dawidowski, Mgr Marta Splandesci, Prof. Joanna Giebułtowicz, Prof. Sebastian Granica, Prof. Joanna Kolmas, Prof. Jakub Piwowarski, and Dr. hab. Martyna Wróbel.
The invention which they developed is an innovative method for synthesizing a biologically active postbiotic metabolite. The technology stands out from existing solutions due to a significantly simplified process, the elimination of the need for protecting hydroxyl groups, and the absence of column chromatography requirements. The proposed synthetic pathway is based on a cutting-edge combination of Knoevenagel/Michael condensation reactions and selective catalytic reduction, which has not previously been described in this configuration in the literature.
The method enables high-yield production of the compound using simple and readily available reagents, resulting in lower costs and improved atom economy. The solution has significant application potential in the field of medicinal chemistry, pharmacy, and nutraceuticals, and may also serve as a platform for the synthesis of other biologically active phenolic compounds (certificate).
Not the first time receiving medals
The awards at the fair are granted by a jury composed of distinguished Polish and international scientists and experts. They evaluate the innovative solutions and inventions submitted to the competition (products, technologies, and services) in order to select the most interesting and important ones. Our university has previously received top distinctions at this event:
- WUM awarded at INTARG 2024
- Award for a technology enabling more precise imaging of tissue structures
- WUM inventions awarded at the 15th edition of the INTARG fair
- Award for a WUM project
These repeated medals are a sign that innovation at our university is the result of consistently developed scientific potential.