Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: QuantumSphere Awards Research Grant to Iowa State University to Improve Food Safety With Nanomaterials

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Abstract:
Study Will Explore the Use of QSI-Nano Silver to Prevent Food Contamination

QuantumSphere Awards Research Grant to Iowa State University to Improve Food Safety With Nanomaterials

SANTA ANA, CA | Posted on February 5th, 2008

QuantumSphere, Inc., a leading manufacturer of nano metals and alloys for applications in renewable energy, portable power, defense, electronics and other markets demanding advanced materials, today announced that it has awarded a research grant to Byron Brehm-Stecher, Ph.D, of Iowa State University to conduct research in the use of nanomaterials to improve the safety of the world's food supply.

"Nanomaterials have such broad potential in new application areas, and QuantumSphere is reaching out to stimulate efforts that accelerate validation and commercialization of its proprietary advanced materials," said Kevin Maloney, CEO of QuantumSphere. "Dr. Brehm-Stecher's proposal shows tremendous promise as he sets out to validate QSI-Nano(r) Silver for use in antimicrobial materials that could prevent food contamination. The research could vastly improve the safety of global food production and distribution networks."

Brehm-Stecher is an assistant professor at Iowa State's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. His lab will test the effectiveness of QSI-Nano(r) Silver and its ability to destroy food-borne pathogens and other organisms that cause spoilage. The research will leverage the unique physical and catalytic properties of the nanoparticles to develop useful technologies for improved microbial control.

"QuantumSphere's manufacturing system has enabled the production of advanced nanomaterials with highly desirable qualities needed in antimicrobial research," said Dr. Brehm-Stecher. "Through our research, we hope to gain a greater understanding of how these materials impact microbial metabolism and will lead to technologies that enhance food safety."

In 2006, QuantumSphere initiated a call for research grant proposals to partner with universities and sponsor research through the prototype phase in an effort to accelerate the validation and commercialization of advanced materials in consumer and industrial applications. The award to Iowa State University is part of QuantumSphere's ongoing grant funding program. Each award is supported with an endowment ranging in sizes from $50-125k to support work for up to 2 years. This is the second year QuantumSphere has awarded grants and the first year they have been awarded to research institutions outside of California.

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About QuantumSphere, Inc.
QuantumSphere, Inc. (QSI) is a leading manufacturer of advanced catalytic materials and a developer of high performance electrode devices and related technologies for multiple clean-energy and electronics applications. Backed by a strong intellectual property portfolio, QSI products can lower costs and enable breakthrough performance in such multi-billion dollar growth markets as batteries, sensors, fuel cells, and hydrogen generation, among others.

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Santa Ana, CA, QSI is driven by a mission to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources through continuous innovation and refinement of its advanced catalytic materials and electrode devices. QSI serves industry leading customers with its patented, automated, highly scalable, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

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Contacts:
QuantumSphere, Inc.
Michele Kinman
408-218-8815

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