Patented material supports research to reduce long-term environmental and health risks
By Tangelia Kelly, Ph.D.
(JACKSON, Miss.) – As part of this week’s celebration of Research Engagement Week, Jackson State University is recognizing its research teams and student inventors who have recently secured patents, grants or recognition for their inventions.
Today, the university is highlighting Physics postdoctoral research associates and lead researcher Saiful M. Islam, Ph.D., for earning U.S. Patent No. 12,459,831 for a new material designed to remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated water.
The patented invention of intercalated layered double hydroxide ([Sn₂S₆]⁴⁻) and a method of producing the same supports research efforts focused on clean water, public health and environmental protection. The material and technology is engineered to selectively capture toxic heavy metals from water and other liquid systems.
“Access to clean water remains one of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world,” said Almesha Campbell, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development at Jackson State University. “This patent demonstrates the type of research that has real-world relevance. It strengthens the university’s intellectual property portfolio and supports our mission to translate discovery into impact.”
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, silver and copper are persistent contaminants that can accumulate in water systems and ecosystems over time, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment. Dr. Islam’s patented material was designed to capture multiple toxic metals efficiently and support water decontamination under practical conditions.
Islam and his research team tested the material’s performance in water samples from the Mississippi River and tap water sources, demonstrating strong performance in complex environments that mirror real-world conditions. The tested material showed the ability to reduce concentrations of several toxic metals to low levels, supporting its potential use in water treatment and environmental remediation.
The patent supports Jackson State University’s ongoing efforts to make research discoveries through its technology transfer process and explore future applications that can support clean water solutions.
“This research is driven by a simple goal: reducing the risks that contaminated water can pose over time,” said Islam. “By developing materials that remove toxic metals from water, we are contributing to long-term solutions that support public health and environmental protection.”
The invented material was developed with federal support from the U.S. Department of Energy, and as noted in the patent, the federal government retains certain rights in the invention.
Jackson State University is exploring next steps to support further evaluation of the technology, including potential pilot applications and future commercialization pathways.
For more information, contact technologytransfer@jsums.edu.