Date: Aug 20, 2013 Author: press release Source: surnetics (
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Minneapolis, August 20, 2013: Surnetics and Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. (ISurTec) are pleased to announce that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop microfluidic products for use in the diagnostic, medical, and other life science markets.
Surnetics develops technology solutions for enabling and improving liquid flow within channels in microfluidic products. Surnetics has developed a patent portfolio for gradient coatings; for example, a coating that changes in hydrophilicity (or other properties) over the length of the channel. This technology allows for fluid to flow through a channel without the need for pumps, valves, wicking strips, or any other external force. The technology can be used to control flow features on a product while greatly reducing the cost and size of the product.
ISurTec develops and manufactures biocompatible, light-activated chemical coating solutions for the surface modification of the materials used in the medical device, diagnostic, cell culture and industrial markets. ISurTec's coatings are either hydrophilic / lubricious (slippery) or hydrophobic (water repellent). The chemistries are compatible with a wide range of solvents and materials. By optimizing the chemistry, the immobilization of surface energy gradients can be created. This technology provides superior chemical and spatial control over the wettability of microfluidic and diagnostic devices in a gentle, manufacturing-friendly process, allowing the fluid to flow as described above.
Brian Babcock, President and founder of Surnetics stated, "This relationship with ISurTec presents a tremendous opportunity for both companies as well as the life science industry as a whole. ISurTec has been a leader in developing surface modification coatings for medical devices, including several FDA-approved coatings that have high market penetration. ISurTec's impressive portfolio of coating chemistries along with their development capabilities are an excellent match with Surnetics' expertise in gradient coatings and fluid flow optimization. We look forward to developing new product platforms for the diagnostic market using our combined capabilities. "
Surnetics and Innovative Surface Technologies plan to demonstrate their technologies in upcoming industry events, including the Lab-on-a-Chip, Point of Care Diagnostics, and MicroArray World Congress in San Diego Sep 12-13. Customers are invited to drop by and see how the two companies can produce new product platforms for their applications.
About Surnetics
Founded in 2010, Surnetics develops formulations and coating technologies designed to move liquids in microfluidic products. Surnetics patented technology enables liquid to flow through devices without use of pumps, valves, or wicking strips. Companies use Surnetics' technology to solve fluid transport, fluid delivery, and fluid analysis problems in their microfluidic products while also reducing their cost and size.
About Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. (ISurTec)
ISurtec was founded in 2004 in Saint Paul, Minnesota with the vision to enhance the performance and capabilities of materials through surface modification chemistry. This rationale leads to the design of new products to address the unmet needs in the medical device, diagnostic, biotechnology and life science markets. ISurTec partners with organizations to incorporate and commercialize proprietary technologies. Core coating technologies can be engineered for the following properties: Hydrophilic / Lubricious (Slippery); Superhydrophobic (Water Repellent); Antimicrobial; Drug Release; and Thermo Responsive. Companies trust ISurtec to solve complex surface modification and chemical bonding challenges in a timely manner.
