Microfluidics
(OTCBB: MFLU), the exclusive global provider of Microfluidizer(R) high shear
fluid processors, has initiated a formal collaboration program to further promote
the use of nanotechnology in scientific research at the university level.
Microfluidizer processors are currently used by hundreds of leading academic institutions
to develop breakthrough drug delivery technologies and tailor novel applications
for the nutraceutical/food, chemical, energy and cosmetic industries.
University researchers who would like to learn more about the program should
visit www.microfluidicscorp.com/academics.
Microfluidizer technology is unique in its ability to achieve uniform target
particle sizes on the nano-level with fully scalable results from lab to production
volumes. The Academic Research Collaboration (ARC) program was created to make
superior nanomaterials processing methods more accessible to a wider range of
academic initiatives while providing further value to facilitate research and
development efforts:
- Purchasing incentive for qualified universities
- Complimentary annual "Proof of Concept" testing in the Microfluidics
Technology Center
- Extended warranty by one full year
- Bonus referral program
- Upgrade/trade-in credits for certain machines and technologies
- Courtesy "Lunch n' Learn" on-campus seminars
- Preferred rental arrangements where applicable
- Beta site, demonstration and publication opportunities
"Partnering with Microfluidics has enabled us to advance exciting new
nanotechnology-based methods for drug delivery, for example, to penetrate the
blood brain barrier," said Mansoor Amiji, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor
and Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Northeastern University. "This
is the only technology successful thus far in creating decorated drug nanoparticles
which deliver benefits to specific parts of the body and, therefore, accomplish
more with less drug."
"As you reduce the particle size of your formulation containing the compound
of interest, you increase its surface area, thereby improving bioavailability
and efficacy and, as a result, reducing adverse side effects by decreasing the
required dose for effectiveness," explained Prof. Robert Nicolosi, Ph.D.,
of the Department of Clinical Laboratory & Nutritional Sciences at University
of Massachusetts Lowell. "Microfluidics provides an enabling technology
which has allowed us to develop novel properties for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical
and cosmeceutical applications."
More than one in every ten Microfluidizer processors sold are to universities
– a figure Microfluidics expects to increase over time as the core model
for biopharmaceutical R&D continues to evolve. The recently launched LV1
low volume processor, which for the first time brings Microfluidizer-quality
processing capabilities to samples as small as 1 ml, is an ideal solution for
universities with limited or high value raw materials.
"The importance of academic research to the pharmaceutical industry's
drug development strategy cannot be understated, and it's increasing every day,"
said Michael C. Ferrara, Microfluidics President and CEO. "More big and
mid-size pharmas are seeking to collaborate on vital R&D programs with universities
equipped with the latest equipment for nanomaterials processing. From oncology
drugs and vaccines, to foods enhanced with nutrients and more efficient cathodes
for fuel and solar cells, the line between academic research and industry commercialization
has been blurred. By bringing our gold standard nanomaterial processors more
actively to the university level, we are able to improve our customers' business
lines while supporting the crucial growth and innovation indicative of expert
professors and graduate students worldwide."
In addition, existing collaborations with universities have led to revolutions
in what is possible using nanotechnology. Continuous manufacturing via crystallization
and chemical reactions using bottom-up Microfluidics Reaction Technology(TM)
(MRT), for example, was developed in a partnership between Microfluidics CTO
Thomai "Mimi" Panagiotou, Ph.D., and Robert Fisher, Ph.D., of the
Chemical Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Said Dr. Fisher, "I was intrigued by the opportunity to work closely
with Microfluidics to develop improved drug fabrication techniques that enhance
delivery and efficacy, which pharmaceutical firms will find extremely compelling.
This includes producing suspensions with the smallest possible particle size
that have been functionalized for specific targeting."
More information on the ARC program can be found on www.microfluidicscorp.com/academics
or by contacting Kris Sarajian at ksarajian@mfics.com
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled
to view it or (+1) 617.969.5454 x233.