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.
http://www.qsinano.com/
