Knobias ClipReport (7-31-2007)

Submitted from Knobias ClipReport

BioForce Nanosciences Holdings, Inc. (BFNH), a nanotechnology company providing nanotech tools and solutions for the life sciences, received a second year of funding under a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for nearly $200,000. This brings the total funding under the grant to $400,000. The Company may also submit additional grant applications.

The funding will be used to construct and evaluate a nanobiosensor capable of detecting protein biomarkers from just a few cells. The proposed nanobiosensor, with the tradename Chip-on-a-Tip(TM), could provide informative analysis of minute protein samples such as those studied in forensics or biopsy microsamples.

BioForce Nanosciences’ Chip-on-a-Tip(TM) device shares some features with the much-publicized lab-on-a-chip concept. Lab-on-a-chip is a term for devices that integrate multiple laboratory functions on a single chip of only millimeters to a few square centimeters in size and that are capable of handling extremely small fluid volumes down to less than pico liters.

BioForce's Founder and CEO, Dr. Eric Henderson, told Knobias on Monday, "In lab-on-a-chip or any other assay test, the sample is brought to the test. Our Chip-on-a-Tip(TM) concept brings the test directly to the sample. This is made possible by the ultraminiaturized dimensions of the Chip-on-a-Tip(TM) platform. This has profound implications for point of care, personalized medicine (e.g., an entire health profile from a drop of blood). BioForce scientists have been developing this concept to be both in vitro (take sample out of the body) and in vivo (in the body itself). For example, an in vivo test may involve a lesion on the hand where a small test strip would be inserted and data will be collected for use by the patient’s doctors."

"The Chip-on-a-Tip(TM) concept is really a platform technology upon which many other tests can be built. This technology can be used for cancer or other diseases that can be diagnosed via biological markers (e.g., protein biomarkers)."

Dr. Henderson explained, "Our competitors for the Chip-on-a-Tip(TM) concept are companies that deal with microdiagnostic assays. The advantage of BioForce’s patented technology is the fact that a diagnostic test is small enough to be brought directly to a sample as small as a single cell. The more common current method of diagnostic testing takes the sample to the test site or device, which introduces opportunities for error and requires larger volumes of sample."

"This technology is at the proof-of-concept stage of its development cycle. BioForce is currently looking for partnerships to expedite the development of this concept into products for each of the following target markets: diagnostics companies, pharmaceutical companies, and basic research institutes."

BioForce also develops “BioNano Fusion” products by integrating biology and nanotechnology. The Company has two product divisions: the Nano eNabler(TM) system (instruments and applications) and Emerging Technologies (BioNano Fusion products). BioForce’s flagship product, the Nano eNabler(TM) system, is a benchtop molecular printer that places tiny drops of liquid onto surfaces with nanometer spatial precision. The Nano eNabler(TM) system gives the Company a unique platform for development and discovery. The research applications for which the molecular printer is most commonly being utilized by researchers are cell biology for cancer research, brain function, or virus detection. BioForce’s Emerging Technologies division commercializes in-house research and development efforts and enables collaborations with external partners. The ViriChip(TM) platform is a patented system designed to rapidly and nondestructively detect and identify whole viruses. Developed by BioForce and made possible by the Nano eNabler(TM) system, the ViriChip platform could have a major impact in health and biodefense by creating ultraminiaturized biodetection devices.

Dr. Henderson noted, "At this time, we are unable to discuss any strategic alliances or collaborations, but we have 22 pilot placement agreements in place for the Nano eNabler(TM) system with prestigious institutions across the globe. These pilot placements allow the entrepreneurial researchers at those centers to act as “early adopters” of our practical tools and technologies."

He concluded, "Anticipated scientific applications developed within the BioForce laboratory or in user’s laboratories have the potential for significant future revenue. We believe that by fusing the incredible molecular nanotechnology already inherent in nature with the limitless potential for applications of nanotechnology to the issues facing humankind and the planet, BioForce is positioned to provide invaluable solutions to difficult problems and, in doing so, become a leading nanotechnology company."


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