NanoHorizons Receives 2004 Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K STATE COLLEGE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2004 NanoHorizons, an emerging leader in nanoscale material and device technologies, is a recipient of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Award A Sullivan Award may refer to:
or mass spectroscopy Analytic technique by which chemical substances are identified by sorting gaseous ions by mass using electric and magnetic fields. . QuickMass targets are designed for use in applications that require the identification of small molecules, and are particularly effective in analyzing drug candidates produced by combinatorial chemistry Combinatorial chemistry involves the rapid synthesis or the computer simulation of a large number of different but structurally related molecules. Introduction Synthesis of molecules in a combinatorial fashion can quickly lead to large numbers of molecules. . QuickMass targets enable quick and precise chemical analysis of small molecules by matrix-free laser desorption Desorption A process in which atomic and molecular species residing on the surface of a solid leave the surface and enter the surrounding gas or vacuum. mass spectrometry. Using conventional MALDI MALDI Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization ionization: see ion. ionization Process by which electrically neutral atoms or molecules are converted to electrically charged atoms or molecules (ions) by the removal or addition of negatively charged electrons. ) mass spectrometers, the unique QuickMass targets produce mass spectra faster than the LC/MS LC/MS Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry technique. QuickMass targets eliminate the need for matrix compounds, normally used to facilitate laser desorption and ionization of small molecules. Since matrix compounds are not required, a clean, reproducible spectrum can be produced from samples deposited on a QuickMass target with a standard MALDI mass spectrometer. By eliminating background peaks of interfering matrix compounds, good analyses of drug candidates from combinatorial chemistry laboratories can be produced more quickly. QuickMass targets can also be used in other phases of the drug discovery process, such as ADME ADME Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion ADME Association of Destination Management Executives ADME Active Duty Medical Extension (Adsorption adsorption, adhesion of the molecules of liquids, gases, and dissolved substances to the surfaces of solids, as opposed to absorption, in which the molecules actually enter the absorbing medium (see adhesion and cohesion). , Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) analyses. This technique offers an increased sample throughput and can deliver up to an 80% increase in research laboratory productivity. QuickMass targets use a non-porous thin film surface, a direct product of NanoHorizons' research into thin film nanostructures and nanodevices. The thin film in QuickMass allows laser energy to be rapidly transferred to the analyte molecules in the ionization process. The result is effective small molecule desorption, ionization and mass spectroscopy mass spectroscope n. Any of various devices that use magnetic fields, electric fields, or both to determine the masses of isotopes in a sample by producing a mass spectrum. without the need for an interfering matrix. An added advantage of using this non-porous film is the avoidance of low mass contaminant contaminant /con·tam·i·nant/ (kon-tam´in-int) something that causes contamination. contaminant something that causes contamination. trapping, which can further complicate the analysis process. These advantages are all achieved while using the same methodologies and mass spectrometry equipment as conventional MALDI. QuickMass technology is starting to gain critical acceptance, as is exemplified by the recent announcement of collaboration between NanoHorizons and Kratos Analytical Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. of the Shimadzu Corporation of Kyoto, Japan). As part of this program, Kratos will present QuickMass technology to the market by strategically integrating it with its currently available mass spectrometers. This collaboration is expected to enhance Kratos/Shimadzu's efforts to provide equipment and targets for diverse applications in the chemical/pharmaceutical sectors. "We are most pleased to receive this award. It recognizes our success in developing a significant breakthrough product which enables drug discovery research to be more productive and cost effective," said Robert F. Burlinson, President and C.E.O. of NanoHorizons. "NanoHorizons has demonstrated the ability to successfully apply the emerging science of nanotechnology to drug discovery. The company's QuickMass(TM) technology platform avoids the encumbrances of using a matrix material while significantly reducing the time required for analysis of small drug molecules. This will, wherever used, substantially enhance the throughput of drug screening processes and ultimately help bring drugs to market faster. It is in recognition of this research excellence and business potential of the technology that NanoHorizons Inc. has been bestowed with the Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology," said Giridhar Rao, industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan. About NanoHorizons, Inc. NanoHorizons, Inc. was founded in 2002 with a business focus on nanotechnology applications With nanotechnology, a large set of materials and improved products rely on a change in the physical properties when the feature sizes are shrunk. Nanoparticles for example take advantage of their dramatically increased surface area to volume ratio. Their optical properties, e.g. in the drug discovery, microelectronics and health care industries. The company has licensed a comprehensive portfolio of nanotechnology Intellectual Property from the Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University, main campus at University Park, State College; land-grant and state supported; coeducational; chartered 1855, opened 1859 as Farmers' High School. . The initial product offering, QuickMass(TM) matrix free laser desorption plates, addresses the need for more cost effective pharmaceutical research and increased drug discovery capacity. Additional commercial initiatives are being pursued to meet needs for fast, high-sensitivity respiration monitors as well as humidity and gas sensors. Additionally, a manufacturing process used to place high performance logic, sensors, displays, MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) Tiny mechanical devices that are built onto semiconductor chips and are measured in micrometers. In the research labs since the 1980s, MEMS devices began to materialize as commercial products in the mid-1990s. and optoelectronics on inexpensive or mechanically flexible substrates offers licensing opportunities. For more information, visit www.nanohorizons.com or write to us at info@nanohorizons.com About Frost & Sullivan Founded in 1961, Frost & Sullivan is recognized as a global leader in growth consulting. Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending the diligence, commitment, and innovative business strategies required to advance in the global marketplace. Frost & Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to determine award recipients in a vast variety of market industries and landscapes. For further information, visit www.frost.com. Award Description Frost & Sullivan's Excellence in Technology Award is bestowed upon the company that has pioneered the development and introduction of an innovative technology into the market; a technology that has either impacted or has the potential to impact several market sectors. This award recognizes a company's successful technology development that is expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. It also recognizes the overall technical excellence of a company and its commitment towards technology innovation. |
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