LaamScience Inc., Research Triangle
Park, N.C., a start-up company that is developing commercial products based on light-activated
antimicrobial nanotechnology, reports it has raised more than $2 million to fund continued
research, business operations and marketing as it nears its first product rollout. The technology,
developed by scientists at North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles, Raleigh, N.C.,
and Atlanta-based Emory University, produces a coating that is activated by sunlight and other
conventional light sources to render the surface of a material deadly to virtually all viruses and
most bacteria, according to the company. LaamScience plans to offer products that will protect
against influenza, cold and respiratory syncytial viruses; avian flu; SARS; West Nile virus; and
biological warfare agents such as smallpox, Ebola and others.
Park, N.C., a start-up company that is developing commercial products based on light-activated
antimicrobial nanotechnology, reports it has raised more than $2 million to fund continued
research, business operations and marketing as it nears its first product rollout. The technology,
developed by scientists at North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles, Raleigh, N.C.,
and Atlanta-based Emory University, produces a coating that is activated by sunlight and other
conventional light sources to render the surface of a material deadly to virtually all viruses and
most bacteria, according to the company. LaamScience plans to offer products that will protect
against influenza, cold and respiratory syncytial viruses; avian flu; SARS; West Nile virus; and
biological warfare agents such as smallpox, Ebola and others.
The company’s first products will be improved versions of surgical masks and the N95 face
masks worn to protect against inhalation of viruses and particulates. According to Tom Roberg,
president and CEO, LaamScience, the traditional masks can still spread infection when they are
taken off because the infectious agents remain viable on the exposed surface.
Roberg expects to introduce the masks during the first quarter of 2008. Subsequent products
may include hospital textiles such as gowns, divider curtains and bed linens; filters for airplane,
home and building applications; and products for farm applications including poultry and other
animal habitats.
July 10, 2007
