Working with Exilica - a business guide
Collaborative research
Our patented µ-Sq beads and Hollow silica shells have unique properties that allow encapsulated chemicals to diffuse slowly out, ideal for applications in pharmaceuticals, fragrances and perfumes, household consumer products and industrial processes.
We prefer, as a first step, to undertake contract research in order to prepare samples for evaluation, containing your proprietary chemicals. These samples can be subsequently examined for release and performance within the working environment of your chosen product.
Should the results meet or exceed your market requirements Exilica will be delighted to discuss licensing oportunities. We pride ourselves in offering licenses to suit your requirements.
Polypropylene fibres (l) and sheet (r) doped with 1% μ-Sq beads
Polymer additives
μ-Sq beads act as micro-sponges and can absorb every metal of the periodic table as well as other small organics, such as fragrances. They are the right size and shape, and are robust enough, to be mixed into polymers. They can be used as a delivery vehicle to carry chemical actives into a polymer matrix.
Cross-section of a Porous Pavement System (l) and bacterial growth over the doped geotextile (r)
Porous Pavement Systems
μ-Sq beads absorb ammonium phosphate. These particles can then be added to polymer fibres that are then spun into geotextile matting. Porous Pavement Systems work by allowing water to pass unhindered into the ground but they trap hydrocarbons, such as engine oil, on the geotextile. The geotextile also acts as a ‘home’ for oil-degrading bacteria. The bacteria have all the nitrogen and potassium they need from the surrounding system but they lack a supply of phosphorus. The release rates of phosphorus achieved by ‘doping’ the geotextile with ammonium phosphated μ-Sq beads is at a suitable level to sustain bacterial growth and yet not cause eutrification of phosphorus into the ground water.
Cross-sections of hollow silica shells with gold nanoparticles
Molecular vehicles
Hollow silica shells can be used to ‘contain’ molecules within the shell void, acting like nano-Tupperware. The shell walls have a single pore, which allows better control of the release, and / or containment, of the stored materials. Applications in this area vary widely. Also, the inner surface structure of the shell wall is different to the outer surface, which provides certain selectivity with respect to the entrapment of compounds inside the shells, as opposed to just adhering to the outer surface.
UV absorbents, colourants
and sensors
Hollow silica shells are colourless and transparent, which means that any colourants, absorbents or colour change chemicals, such as indicators, supported inside the shell, can be seen through the shell wall. Furthermore, hollow silica shells do not need the whole void space to be filled to be effective, they just need to have their inner shell wall coated, leaving the void available for the transport and delivery of other chemical actives. By only coating the inner shell wall of the hollow silica shells the UV absorption efficiency of a formulation mixture can be increased as much as three times compared to the same mixture without the hollow silica shells.
Hollow silica shells containing (and releasing) fluorescent dyes.
Pictures courtesy of
Dr Robin May, Birmingham University
Drug delivery
and
biological markers
Hollow silica shells are currently being developed as drug delivery vehicles. The release of chemical agents from the shells can be controlled by over-coating the shells with other molecular materials such as polymers. If the shells are over-coated with poly-L-lysine then they can be endocytosed (taken up) by cells. Preliminary results have also demonstrated that the contents of the shells can be delivered into the cell. The shells have also been consumed by living organisms and their progress tracked into the gut.
G.E. Spicer, D.E. Lynch, A.P. Newman and S.J. Coupe, Water Science & Technology, 2006, 54, 273-280.
Sale of Beads or Shells
for Internal Product Development
If you would rather purchase either beads or shells for development within your own laboratories we will dispatch samples as soon as possible (depending on the size of sample required). In addition our expert technical team can be hired under consultancy agreements to aid in technology transfer at your site.
Please do not hesitate to contact either Dr Daniel Lynch or Dr Norman Leece for your initial consultation. We know that Exilica can add real value to your product range using their world famous Fast, Flexible, Focused and Friendly business model.
