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NovaCentrix Joins Brooks City-Base to Develop Nanotechnology-
Based Systems for Chemical and Biological Agent Detection, Identification, and Neutralization
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AUSTIN, TX (January 22, 2007) - NovaCentrix, a leading nanotechnology products
company with focus on printable electronics, energetics and life sciences, announced today their
second coalition with Brooks City-Base in San Antonio. The two organizations seek develop
nanotechnology-based systems for chemical and biological agent detection, identification, and
neutralization.
This collaboration is an extension of FY'04 funding in which NovaCentrix and Brooks City-Base
teams achieved significant success with chemical/biological detection and decontamination.
Through the previous funding and sponsorship by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL),
NovaCentrix and Brooks City Base jointly managed a program chartered to develop a novel set of
technologies that promise to improve significantly our Nation's ability to respond to the threat of
bio-terrorist agents, including anthrax and other pathogens.
Each of the required components were demonstrated for critical elements: pathogen
neutralization; collection through use of paramagnetic nanoparticles; and, anthrax-specific
aptamers successfully linked to nano-magnetic particles and to a fluorescent marker.
During the current phase, funded by FY'06 Congressional appropriations at $1.3 million and
sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the two teams will further develop the key
component technologies and move them closer to deployment. Efforts will include demonstration
of rapid agent point detection and identification on surfaces, development of nanoparticle tagging
systems for bio-threat agent collection and destruction, and quantification of magnetic recovery
of nanoparticle/DCE/neutralized agent complexes for recovery. Moving toward a complete
systems solution for detection, identification and neutralization of wide ranges of bio-agents is a
critical program goal.
In support of this project, Congressman Lamar Smith explained, "This funding will allow
NovaCentrix and Brooks City-Base to provide the U.S. Military with the best bio-defense
equipment possible. In supporting major advances in military and bio-technology, the research
being performed in Texas today will support military efforts across the globe for years to come."
Of the program, Steve Leach, CEO of NovaCentrix commented, "Detection, identification and
neutralization of chemical and biological threats are important and must be performed on the spot
in any location, whether on a helicopter or in a surgical room. It is critical to have a family of
nanoparticle-based neutralizers and application systems that will detect and destroy biological
agents on personnel, inside aircraft or throughout buildings without disrupting sensitive
components or compromising operational effectiveness."
In 2002, Brooks City-Base, formerly Brooks Air Force Base, was transferred to the City of San
Antonio. The city manages the base with the Air Force as its primary tenant and has created a
Technology and Business Center. Brooks City-Base is well-renowned as a model of innovation
for future partnerships between military bases and their communities. The collaborative effort
between the researchers at Brooks City-Base and NovaCentrix is a realization of this vision.
About NovaCentrix
NovaCentrix, a nanotechnology products company, creates and commercializes unique solutions
with focus on three business segments: printable electronics, life sciences and energetics.
NovaCentrix's customers fall into three distinct categories: companies and organizations that
utilize conductive inks and curing systems, energetic formulations, anti-viral and anti-bacterial
applications. Printable electronics customers include flexible displays, RFID tags, flexible
lighting, printable circuits, and solar film application companies. Their life sciences products
provide solutions for medical and performance textiles, water filtration companies, general
coatings applications, as well as those who require broad antimicrobial / antiviral additives.
NovaCentrix's energetic products address the needs of defense agencies and contractors and
commercial explosive makers.
Leveraging their comprehensive expertise in producing and processing the purest and most
discrete nanoparticles in the world, NovaCentrix provides integrated solutions that address the
entire production process from powder to formulation to products and processing equipment.
For more information, visit www.novacentrix.com.
Media Contact:
Patti D. Hill
BlabberMouth PR
512.218.0401
patti@blabbermouthPR.com
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