Jul 10 2007
AeonClad Coatings announced that it has obtained an exclusive license from The University of Texas at Arlington for a plasma coating technology for medical and industrial applications. AeonClad, an Emergent Technologies Fund IV portfolio company, is headed by Dr. Richard Timmons, Chief Scientist, and Tony Taylor, Managing Director.
AeonClad’s advanced plasma deposition technology is a new method for coating nanoparticles and devices, with the ability to custom-design the molecular surface to suit the environment in which it will be used. Applications of the technology include improved biocompatibility of medical implants and enhanced functionality of coated particles for laboratory and industrial purification processes.
“The plasma deposition process starts with a monomer gas and then efficiently deposits thin polymeric films to any nearby surface,” Dr. Timmons commented. “The variable duty cycle pulsed plasma we have developed provides excellent compositional control of the coatings.”
AeonClad’s proprietary pulsing algorithm is a significant improvement over existing plasma deposition methods because it maximizes surface deposition rates and minimizes surface ablation. “This new method is a breakthrough in nanotechnology coatings since it allows for ultra-thin, highly controllable, functional surfaces with no ‘pin-holes’ that inhibit a device’s intended function,” added Timmons.
Key Markets and Business Development
Key market needs for this new technology include the biocompatibility of nanotechnology materials, prevention of bacterial attachment to medical devices and controlled release coatings for drug-eluting stents.
Medical device coatings is a $5 billion-a-year industry. This high-growth market is driven by advances in technology and represents a significant opportunity for AeonClad’s plasma deposition technology.
AeonClad Coatings Chief Scientist Dr. Timmons‘ pioneering research spans more than 40 years and has encompassed surface chemistry, chemistry of plasma systems, catalysis, coatings technology, photochemistry and chemistry kinetics, with applications in environmental, industrial and medical diagnostics.
In addition to serving as Chief Scientist of the new company, Dr. Timmons will remain Professor of Chemistry at The University of Texas at Arlington, where he was appointed Distinguished University Professor and Member of the UTA Academy of Scholars
Tony Taylor, who also serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Emergent Technologies, Inc. (ETI), said, “We are excited to have such a pioneer in his field as Dr. Timmons leading our research at AeonClad Coatings. We have already identified a number of important applications in the medical and industrial markets, such as coating nano- and microbeads for improved drug delivery or filtration efficiency
ETI is a life sciences venture firm focused on selecting and funding early technology deals from universities with the goal of partnering with industry leaders to commercialize the technology. ETI’s Fund IV has been established to invest in early-stage companies formed to license and commercialize technologies created by, developed by, owned by, or synergistic with institutions of The University of Texas System.