Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:17 pm | Updated: 1:41 pm, Thu Feb 16, 2012.

One University professor is now teaching students with a new patent under his name.

Professor of biochemistry Dr. Rafiq Islam invented a method to detect sugar and silver nanoparticles by using a microwave.

According to the leading Life Science and high technology company, Sigma-Aldrich of St. Louis, silver nanoparticles are being incorporated into products that range from photovoltaic to biological and chemical sensors.

"I don't know how my invention will change people's lives," Islam admits. "But by simplifying procedure, it might be helpful for components they are making now."

Islam said he has been working on the invention since 2006. He believes it is an inexpensive task that other scientists and biochemists can use.

Although it took a few years to develop the invention, Islam said the process to receiving his patent was surprisingly simple.

Associate professor of organic chemistry at the University Dr. Ahmed Mlakawi watched Islam as he progressed with his soon-to-be patent. Mlakawi said a number of students have been asking him about Islam's newest invention.

"It's exciting and inspiring to those students who have been asking me about it," Mlakawi said.

Islam said he encourages students at the University to chase their dreams just like he did.

"We have a good number of resources in our department, and that should inspire them (students)," Islam said.

Islam is proud of his achievement, but said his invention won't stop with a patent.

Although his project is relatively new to him because it's in a field other than the one he specializes in, Islam enjoys the field of bioscience more.

"But I like to combine those two," Islam said. "I know I'm in biochemistry, but I want to try to move on and progress in nanochemistry as well."

Posted in News, Campus on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:17 pm. Updated: 1:41 pm.

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Biochemistry professor receives patent