World's most comprehensive nanoparticle system

World's most comprehensive nanoparticle system unveiled at global biotech event

Christchurch, New Zealand Tuesday 4 May 2010 - Izon Science will unveil its latest breakthrough in nanoparticle analysis in the US this week. The Variable Pressure Module (VPM) extends the capabilities of Izon's qNano and qViro instrument range providing the world's most comprehensive nanoparticle analysis system.

The launch will be held on 4 May at the New Zealand Pavilion at the 2010 BIO International Convention in Chicago. A delegation of 25 innovative New Zealand companies and research organisations are attending the event, the largest biotechnology event worldwide.

"Our new platform delivers a quantum leap in capability for our research customers. Users can use simple default analyses or process the stream of data to suit their own requirements to gain detailed information about particles." says Hans van der Voorn, the Executive Chairman of Izon.

Researchers using Izon's nanoparticle analysis system can measure and characterize virtually all particles including nanoparticles, viruses, bacteria and bioparticles such as exosomes and liposomes. Particle concentration, electrophoretic mobility, size and aggregation kinetics can all be analysed. Real time reaction monitoring allows users to design and test nanoparticle systems by analyzing the changes in particle properties as various modifications are applied. This is useful for bio-nano work, drug delivery research or development of diagnostic applications.

"We are constantly finding new applications for our technology, largely driven by the measurement needs of our collaborators and customers around the world," says Van der Voorn.

Izon's qNano and qViro instruments use tunable nanopores to measure individual particle properties as they cross the nanopore. Izon's invention of the Variable Pressure Module (VPM) provides precise control of liquid flow in addition to the standard electrophoretic operation of nanopores. The ability to vary pressure, electrophoretic force and nanopore size in real time, while monitoring the output is what provides the broad range of capabilities. These new analytical tools are expected to result in novel research in a number of nanoparticle related fields.

Charged and uncharged particles can now be detected. By finely controlling and balancing electrophoretic and pressure forces exerted on the particle, detailed mobility and charge information can be extracted in a wide range of pH and electrolyte environments.

Nano-sized particle concentrations in both biological and synthetic particle samples can now be measured quickly and easily. The extended concentration range enabled by the VPM allows measurement of sample concentrations down to approximately 10^4 particles per ml, depending on particle size. Izon expects that this method will become a globally adopted standard for particle concentration measurement.

Izon's instruments are used across a wide range of scientific fields including bionanotechnology, virology, vaccinology, microbiology, gene therapy, medical research, marine science, aquaculture, chemistry and nanoscience. Current projects include virus quantitation and analysis, oncolytic viruses, marine science, drug delivery systems, nanoparticle charge measurement, diagnostic applications using antibodies and nanoparticles, bioparticle analysis, and controlled dispensing of particles and biomolecules by count.

Izon's qNano and qViro technology has been sold to research organisations around the world. Collaboration partners in the US include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and University of California Santa Cruz.

The New Zealand delegation at the BIO International Convention in Chicago is led by NZBIO and supported by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Around 13,000 executives, investors, scientists, researchers, policy makers and journalists from around the world are expected to the event, May 3-6, 2010. http://www.bio.org

ENDS

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