Applied Nanoscience
Inc. (ANI) (PINKSHEETS: APNN), a marketer and developer of innovative nanotechnology-based
air filtration products specifically targeted to eradicate bacteria, virus and
fungi, today announced it has reached a joint venture agreement to begin production
on a disposable protective face mask with its Asia Pacific region partner. The
protective mask will incorporate ANI's proprietary NanoFense™ technology,
a U.S. patent pending antimicrobial nanoparticle formulation. When tested as
a "coating" on disposable face masks, it has been validated to be
effective against a broad spectrum of virus and bacteria by multiple independent
BSL- 3 laboratories in the United States.
ANI will be testing the NanoFense formulation against H1N1 but with the mask
already proven to eradicate three influenza strains to include avian influenza,
the company expects to see similarly high efficacy.
The companies have clearly defined the commercial relationship required and
to be implemented in the execution of a product launch to non-U.S. markets for
the NanoFense Protective Face Mask. Initial production will be 30,000 masks/day
with the capability of increasing up to 90,000 masks/day on newly installed
automatic equipment which operates 7 days a week. ANI will supply the NanoFense
formulation premixed under their label.
"We are very encouraged at the progress made with our new partner on this
important project. They have requested anonymity until all formal product launch
efforts are in place with customer support being our collective #1 priority.
Their established customer base and solid reputation in the surgical/protective
mask markets throughout the Asia Pacific region and Europe requires appropriate
planning, especially at a time when people are in such need for a product to
protect themselves and their families," stated Thomas K. Allen, President
and CEO, ANI.
The NanoFense Protective Face Mask will be sold in many of the countries where
ANI has issued patents protecting their broad NEFT™ IP platform encompassing
"Filtering Devices Incorporating Nanoparticles." The growing technology
platform combines any type of nanoparticle that is known or engineered to be
capable of destroying viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins with one or more hydrophobic
or hydrophilic filters. The patent coverage includes three main methods of associating
nanoparticles with filter media: (1) coating the filter media with a powder
of nanoparticles, (2) impregnating the nanoparticles into the filter media,
and (3) having pellets of nanoparticles located adjacent to the filter media.
Mr. Allen added, "Applied Nanoscience Inc. anticipates the reporting of
commercial revenues as early as Q4 of 2009, a milestone for the efforts over
the past 4+ years of technology development. In addition, we have significant
interest in the technology from very established building filtration manufacturers
which have had to be held to ensure the timely launch of the NanoFense Protective
Face Mask."