nanoComposix, Inc. Receives a Phase I NSF SBIR to Investigate Nanoparticle Based Particle Matrices

SAN DIEGO, CA. -January 1, 2008- nanoComposix, Inc, a privately held nanomaterials research company, announced today that it has been awarded a $100,000 Phase I Small Business Innovative Research Grant from the NSF.

The goal of the project is to further the development of a novel nanoparticle based matrix for MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. Unlike tradition MALDI matrices, the nanoparticle matrix has virtually no background signal due to the matrix itself in the low mass regime of the spectrum. The spatial location of peptides and small proteins can be observed in a wide variety of tissue slices. During the six month project, the fundamental mechanism of the nanoparticle induced ionization will be investigated to determine methods to further optimize the product.

"For the first time, there is an inexpensive, easily applied matrix that does not interfere in the analysis of small molecules and peptides in tissue slices" says Dr. Matt Spencer, the PI on the project. "Using nanoengineering techniques we can systematically alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles with a goal of increasing the detection sensitivity and expanding the effective mass range of the MALDI matrix.", added Dr. Spencer.

nanoComposix is a nanotechnology-based research company that fabricates, characterizes, and develops applications for nanoparticles. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in San Diego, CA.

Contact: media@nanocomposix.com

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