ENewsletter from MN Nano

By Robert Hanson, Matthew Hollister

St. Paul based, privately held, Innovative Surface Technologies, Inc. (ISurTec®), is in the business of creating and licensing innovative technologies in the areas of biotechnology and surface modification, frequently by leveraging properties of nanoscale materials and structures. The company, founded in December 2004 by Dr. Patrick Guire (a co-founder of SurModics), employs a ten person scientific staff with expertise in various technical disciplines including chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, material science, neuroscience and organic synthesis. The company further employs non-technical staff to provide regulatory, manufacturing, financial, and business development services. Currently, the company has a 3074 square-foot laboratory that is equipped with standard equipment to pursue chemistry and microbiology research. The laboratory further includes thin film coating equipment, a light chamber for photochemical reactions, shelf freeze drying equipment, friction testing equipment, and pilot production and packaging equipment for coating compositions.

ISurTec® utilizes its resources and connections with other Minnesota-based companies (including Harland Medical Systems, GTUrological, DiaSorin and Starkey Labs) to make technological advancements in several emerging market areas. Included in these are thermo-responsive cell culture surfaces, nanofibrillar synthetic extracelluar matrix (ECM) for tissue engineering, and liquid repelling fabric and device coatings which rely upon nanotechnology related concepts.

Nanofibrillar networks are promising as the nanofibrillar material can provide an in vivo like structure to which cells will rapidly attach and grow with a morphology and physiological function similar to such cells in vivo. Cellomic assays, using mammalian cells grown on such networks, for toxicity are expected to more nearly represent in vivo effects. The company is developing a nanofibrillar biocompatible synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) that is coated with a thermo-responsive polymer to which bioactive molecules may be attached. The thermo-responsive polymer will allow attached cells to be released by lowering the culture temperature, without requiring the use of harsh chemicals (e.g. trypsin) or physical mechanisms (scrapping) that have been shown to be harmful to cells. This thermo-responsive coating and nanofibrillar material can be applied together or separately to any flat surface (Petri dishes, flasks, roller bottles, etc.) or applied to mirocarriers used in bioreactors for the production of numerous biologic agents.

Another synthetic ECM is being developed as a scaffolding material to grow engineered bone tissue. Tissue engineering promises to change medical practice profoundly, regenerating diseased tissues and organs instead of surgically repairing or replacing them. The synthetic nanofiber bone scaffold is biocompatible, biodegradable, porous, mechanically strong and filled with photoreactive nanofibers ready for biomolecule conjugation. These scaffolds are easily shaped into different forms (e.g., blocks, cylinders, sheets and granules) for optimal handling and use. Further, various biologically active substances, such as hydroxyapatite and ECM proteins, may be bound to the fiber network. The specific molecules attached to the scaffolding are customizable to the requirements of the application.

Another technology in development relates to liquid-repelling coatings. In this pursuit, scientists at ISurTec® are taking their cue from nature, in which numerous plants and animals are endowed with highly efficient water repellent surfaces. Scientists have found that such surfaces display nanotexture, which greatly decreases the wettability (super-hydrophobicity) of the surfaces. Based on this concept, ISurTec® has developed novel halogen free super-hydrophobic nanostructured coatings that provide an excellent water barrier, as well as coating that are oleophobic (repel oils). Generally, the coating does not permit formation of a liquid surface; instead liquids simply bead up and roll off. As the beads roll off, dust and other particles are swept up and carried away. Several applications for these superhydrophobic and/or oleophobic coatings being investigated include, preventing moisture damage to electronic devices, improving water repellency of fabrics, creating self cleaning fabrics, and reducing fluid retention during liquid transfer.

ISurTec® is also developing technologies for drug delivery and molecular diagnostics. These include a super-hydrophobic drug eluting coating, biodegradable drug loaded particles immobilized onto the surface of medical devices, improved nano/microparticles for genomic and proteomic assays, improved coatings for microarray assays and lateral flow biosensors.

The displayed image is ISurTec's photoreactive nanofibers (green) with attached growing cells (red).

To learn more about ISurTec®, including partnering opportunities, Dr. Patrick Guire can be reached at [email protected] or visit the website at www.isurtec.com.