Dec 12 2007
NaturalNano, Inc., a developer of advanced nanomaterials and additive technologies, received third-party validation from one of the world’s leading personal care and household product companies of NaturalNano’s proprietary technology for extended release of fragrances.
NaturalNano said that the results reported by a leading manufacturer on the Company’s unique, fragrance-loaded nanomaterial additive validates NaturalNano’s extended release applications and expands the commercial opportunities for its technology. These products are being developed utilizing technology NaturalNano has under exclusive license from the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) for several markets. Halloysite nanotubes, with their unique, hollow-tube structure, allow additives such as fragrances or antimicrobials to be inserted into the hollow nanotubes to create a slow or extended release of the additives over time. The NRL patents also cover many other forms of tubular materials, as well as halloysite. NaturalNano has commenced a licensing program to expand the utilization of the technology.
“This independent validation by a global brand serves as an endorsement of our technology and our overall research direction,” said the Company’s President Cathy Fleischer. “Delivering longer-lasting fragrances for some of the most widely purchased household products opens a new market for our extended release technology. By leveraging our patented procedures and expertise, we can market to a number of industries through the addition of materials such as fragrances, antimicrobials, lubricants, flame retardants, preservatives and herbicides.”
This proprietary technology creates opportunities for NaturalNano in the $24 billion household cleaner market. NaturalNano’s filled tube technology is also being developed for future use in markets including the $300 billion personal products market and the $135 billion agrichemical industry.
NaturalNano said it secured the validation report after providing a supply of halloysite nanotubes, loaded with fragrance utilizing NaturalNano’s propriety process, for testing by the consumer products maker, whose name was not disclosed. The fragrance-laden halloysite nanotubes showed a clear advantage during lab testing in both the duration and potency of the fragrance. The Company also noted that it continues to work on several customer-driven filled-tube projects, for this manufacturer and others.
While extended release applications can add value in a number of industries, NaturalNano said it is currently focusing its efforts where there is the greatest near-term potential, including household products, personal care and other consumer categories. The initial fields represent just a fraction of the markets covered by the exclusive NRL license. Other significant markets for extended release are:
- Cosmetics
- Moisturizing Creams
- Deodorants
- Laundry Products
- Carpet and Furniture Cleaners
- Automotive and Clothing Fabrics
Fleischer concluded, “Extended release applications hold a great deal of promise for us, and we look forward to continuing this groundbreaking work with our joint development partners to create the next generation of unique consumer products.”