Spring Break
Drexel receives nanotech funds
Nathan Fried
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: News
"Even with all that background, we were able to detect [our protein of interest] in as low as a 5 picogram/ml concentration, one-thousandths of a nanogram. This is very tiny," Shih said.
This new technology utilizes a particular material with piezoelectric properties. When this material is flattened into a 1 micron thick translucent film, any pressure that is applied to it will cause it to emit an electrical signal. Even the slightest pressure will emit a measurable signal. When placed into a blood sample, it is possible to measure how much of a certain protein binds to the material making it an easy, quick, and incredibly sensitive method to detect levels of any protein.
"This will be a very great lab tool. The technology we have is much much more sensitive than [current detection methods] and a lot cheaper," Shih said.
It is this type of technology that has drawn funding to Drexel. However, interest in nanotechnology is nothing new to Drexel. In fact, the A.J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute, founded in 2003, has been working toward coordinating interdisciplinary research, education, and the development of strategic collaborations between nanotech researchers at Drexel and those within industry.
"We are trying to reach out and create more of a research and tech transfer, and to roll out new technologies into the market place," Karsan said.
Just this past month, the DNI co-hosted the first ever PA Regional Nanotechnology Conference, bringing together companies and research institutes across the area to discuss issues impacting businesses involved with nanotechnology.
Similar to the DNI, the NTI focuses on helping to transfer intellectual knowledge and nanotechnology related discoveries in hopes of stimulating economic growth through the commercialization of nanotechnology. NTI is valued at $16.3 million. Since its inception, NTI has led to 357 intellectual property assets, 17 technology licenses, worked with 13 young companies, and attracted more than $180 million in public and private investment to the region.
"It's a matter of government, academia, and industry that all connect to each other and work together," Karsan said.
This new technology utilizes a particular material with piezoelectric properties. When this material is flattened into a 1 micron thick translucent film, any pressure that is applied to it will cause it to emit an electrical signal. Even the slightest pressure will emit a measurable signal. When placed into a blood sample, it is possible to measure how much of a certain protein binds to the material making it an easy, quick, and incredibly sensitive method to detect levels of any protein.
"This will be a very great lab tool. The technology we have is much much more sensitive than [current detection methods] and a lot cheaper," Shih said.
It is this type of technology that has drawn funding to Drexel. However, interest in nanotechnology is nothing new to Drexel. In fact, the A.J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute, founded in 2003, has been working toward coordinating interdisciplinary research, education, and the development of strategic collaborations between nanotech researchers at Drexel and those within industry.
"We are trying to reach out and create more of a research and tech transfer, and to roll out new technologies into the market place," Karsan said.
Just this past month, the DNI co-hosted the first ever PA Regional Nanotechnology Conference, bringing together companies and research institutes across the area to discuss issues impacting businesses involved with nanotechnology.
Similar to the DNI, the NTI focuses on helping to transfer intellectual knowledge and nanotechnology related discoveries in hopes of stimulating economic growth through the commercialization of nanotechnology. NTI is valued at $16.3 million. Since its inception, NTI has led to 357 intellectual property assets, 17 technology licenses, worked with 13 young companies, and attracted more than $180 million in public and private investment to the region.
"It's a matter of government, academia, and industry that all connect to each other and work together," Karsan said.
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