Luna nanoMaterials, US
Keywords: nanomanufacturing; diagnostics; imaging
Luna nanoMaterials is a company focused on high-volume, cost-effective manufacturing of carbonaceous nanomaterials for sale to industry, government and academia. Luna has exclusive rights to a newly-discovered molecule the nano Trimetasphere. This hollow molecule of carbon atoms encloses various metal and rare earth elements and be used to improve communications devices, produce energy, increase the sensitivity of MRI scans, and simultaneously identify and attach individual cancer cells. Another main focus at Luna nanoMaterials has been enabling nanotechnologies for the revolutionary advancement in medical diagnostics and therapeutics beginning with a revolutionary new contrast agent for MRI, based on the Trimetasphere. Early tests of the new material indicate the possibility of contrast improvement by 25 times over existing contrasts agents. Products will result in improved imaging of critical body tissues, reduction in amounts of contrast reagent required, and smaller, less expensive MRI machines that could be available in a doctor's office. Luna nanoMaterials has unique expertise in the production and purification of nanomaterials that serve as the enabling technology for these products. In addition, Luna researchers have unique experience in performing functionalization reactions on the fullerene molecule that make it useful in the target application areas.
Nanotech 2004 Conference Technical Program Abstract