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P2i plan to extend pipette nano-coating
success to other consumables and devices - Saving the very last drop
1 September 2005 Porton Down,
UK – P2i Limited is to launch its range of super repellent nano-coatings to
the international medical device and consumables sector at Stand 8M27 in
ComPaMed, Dusseldorf from 16th -18th November. Already P2i has attracted a great
deal of interest with its first major application for pipette tips and is now
looking to repeat this success with other consumables such as plates, filters
and devices. With pipette tips, P2i uses its proprietary cold plasma-enhanced
chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) process to apply nano-thin coatings which
dramatically enhance their performance, virtually eliminating liquid retention.
Extensive testing in P2i’s custom-built nano-coating chambers has shown that
P2i-enhanced pipette tips produce more accurate and reliable results and can
reduce reagent costs by up to 10%. The ultra-low adhesion, pin-hole free coating
has a surface energy 3x lower than Teflon® (PTFE) and has no leachable
components. This advance offers major benefits across the full spectrum of
pipetting applications – from handheld pipettes to large scale robotic liquid
handling systems.
High resolution images available on request
from neilr@alto-marketing.com
According to P2i’s CEO, Quentin Compton-Bishop, “With sample volumes getting
smaller all the time in both research and routine medical applications, avoiding
precious sample loss through surface retention becomes even more critical. We
are now looking to follow our success with pipette tips by applying nano-coatings
to microplates, filters, textiles and other medical consumables. Visitors to our
stand at ComPaMed will be able to see the potential for themselves.”
P2i’s cold plasma process can be used to create a variety of other surface
modifications for medical applications. Mr Compton-Bishop commented, “Our
process can be used to deposit a range of functional groups on both plastic and
glass surfaces. For example, we can create hydrophilic surfaces and other
specific reaction sites for proteins.”
P2i’s patented plasma process was originally developed by the UK Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) in collaboration with the University of Durham,
to protect the armed forces against chemical attacks by enhancing uniforms and
equipment with super-repellent coatings. Using plasma or ‘ionised gas’,
proprietary chemicals can be deposited in layers only molecules thick over any
surface. The polymerised compounds bind at the molecular level creating an
invisible layer that does not leach. The super liquid-repellent coating for
example, has a 3x lower surface energy than the benchmark Teflon® (PTFE) and
unlike other hydrophobic treatments, it is also able to repel 100%
isopropylalcohol (IPA) and oils.
The specialised plasma chambers used for the plasma treatments are robust and
can be scaled to fit the process. P2i’s onsite facilities include 40-litre,
300-litre and 2000-litre chambers, supported by the expertise of its team of
plasma process chemists. Mr Compton-Bishop commented, “Our range of chambers can
process single-use disposable products as small as frits and pipette tips in
their thousands through to larger items such as whole medical devices and
protective apparel. For high level users, however, we can install bespoke
chambers at customer sites under licence.”
www.p2ilabs.com
-ENDS-
Notes for editors:
P2i
P2i Ltd. was established in 2004 to commercialise super liquid-repellent
treatments developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) (www.dstl.gov.uk)
and the University of Durham (www.durham.ac.uk). P2i is the exclusive licensee
of Dstl’s patents and is a joint venture between Dstl and Porton Capital, a
venture firm specialising in civilian applications of military research and
technology (www.portoncapital.com). P2i’s plasma technology enables it to
deposit materials in layers only molecules thick over the whole surface of a
product by means of an ionised gas or “plasma”. This enables the surfaces of the
product to be enhanced with a super oleophobic (oil repellent) and hydrophobic
(water-repellent) treatment while leaving the other properties of the product
unchanged. So, for example, outdoor wear will have every inch of fabric, zipper
and seam protected while leaving the pores of the fabric as open and breathable
as they were before and without affecting the feel or drape of the material. Now
on a commercial scale, P2i’s enhancement process can be applied to a wide range
of products in the textiles, medical, pharmaceutical, electronics and homeland
security markets. P2i has the capability also to produce a range of other
surface effects, such as hydrophilic, antistatic and fire retardant.
Dstl
Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) is the centre of scientific
excellence for the UK Ministry of Defence, housing one of the largest groups of
scientists and engineers in public service in the country. Its 3,000 strong
workforce includes some of the nation’s most talented and creative scientists
with the brief to ensure that the UK Armed Forces and Government are supported
by world class scientific advice. Dstl delivers defence research, specialist
technical services and the ability to track global technological developments.
Its capabilities compare with the best in the world, supporting procurement
decisions, defence policy making and operations. For more information visit
www.dstl.gov.uk
---ENDS---
Product enquiries
P2i Limited – Quentin Compton-Bishop, CEO
t: 44 (0)1980-556493 e: info@p2ilabs.com
Media enquiries
Alto Marketing Limited – Neil Ravenhill
t: +44 (0)1489 557672 e : neilr@alto-marketing.com
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