NanoDynamics Taps Chemists for ND Life Sciences Operation
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NanoDynamics has announced that, following a $1.15 million grant and loan package to establish a strategic operation focused on biotechnology and health in Pittsburgh, PA, Company is expanding its new subsidiary ND Life.
NanoDynamics has announced the addition of Dr. Sang Beom Lee to its ND Life team as Chief Researcher. Joining him will be Dr. Lacramioara Trofin.
Drs. Lee and Trofin will work closely at ND Life's recently opened laboratory in the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG) Incubator in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
With the new operation expected to grow to 50 employees over five years, ND Life will drive rapid innovation and commercialization of nanomaterials for antimicrobial, biosensor, and pharmaceutical applications.
"The convergence between nanomaterials and the life sciences is one of the most promising and exciting emerging technology sectors today," said Dr. Alan Rae, vice president of market and business development at NanoDynamics, Inc.
"Rapid diagnostics, new methods of drug delivery, faster development of new pharmaceuticals, superior antimicrobials: this is an area where nanotechnology research is ready to be transitioned into real-world product."
"With a strong research team firmly in place at ND Life, we are poised to maintain our leadership position as we drive innovation and advancement in the biotechnology and healthcare fields."
ND Life will leverage the company's existing expertise in delivering nanotechnology-based products to address needs and opportunities in the life sciences marketplace.
Efforts at ND Life will initially focus on commercializing a recently licensed polymer nanotube technology with capabilities suited for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Originally developed at the University of Pittsburgh, the nanotube technology has applications in sophisticated sensory and controlled release structures.
Both of ND Life's new scientists bring strong backgrounds in bioengineered materials research and development.
Prior to joining NanoDynamics, Dr. Lee directed research at the University of Pittsburgh on diacetylene nanotubes for sensing and decontamination as well as the development of antimicrobial self-cleaning surfaces.
Dr. Lee's impressive research background also includes a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from Korea University, Seoul and post-doctoral work at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University.
With a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Florida, Dr. Trofin's recent experience includes the development of controlled nanofibers and nanoreactors for diagnostics and treatment.
"There is a real excitement around ND Life. With its promising technology, expertise of the staff and the sheer momentum of its business, ND Life is the model for the type of company that PLSG works to attract to Pittsburgh's life sciences industry," said Doros Platika, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the PLSG.
"The company's exceptional growth is a testament to the region's efforts to attract the best and brightest life sciences companies to Pittsburgh. We look forward to working with ND Life to lay the foundation for research that will ultimately impact on many areas of our lives."
NanoDynamics received the $1.15 million funding package in June 2005 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development with the express goal of establishing the new life sciences operation in Pittsburgh.
PLSG is a partnership to put the Pittsburgh area's life sciences industry on a fast track for growth. NanoDynamics began leasing lab and office space in the PLSG Incubator in October.
