Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "PChem Receives Investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners"

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PChem Receives Investment from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania to Develop Metallic Nanoparticle Manufacture

Bensalem, PA | Posted on May 10, 2006

PChem Associates announced today that Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania has invested $100,000 in the company for the further development of a process for manufacturing metallic nanoparticles. In the past five months, PChem has raised $500,000 in investments to fund the continued commercialization of its unique nanoparticles.

"This investment by Ben Franklin represents a commitment by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support the adoption and growth of nanotechnology within the state. The Philadelphia area has a tremendous pool of talent including advanced technology companies and universities that we feel we can utilize and partner with to help us to achieve commercial success," said Dr. Greg Jablonski, President of PChem Associates.

Mark deGrandpre, Ph.D., BFTP/SEP's Director for Physical Sciences, said "Ben Franklin Technology Partners is pleased to provide PChem with funding to complete the commercialization of the company's silver nanoparticle conductive inks that are used for high speed, roll-to-roll printing of electronics. PChem has a very good potential for future growth and adding jobs in the greater southeastern Pennsylvania area."

Jablonski said, "Initially PChem's inks will be used to reduce the overall cost of current printed electronics by utilizing the unique size and processing characteristics of our nanoparticles. Less silver is used more efficiently at an increased processing rate. In the foreseeable future, our nanoparticle inks will enable innovative printers to print an entire device including the chip in a high speed, roll-to-roll process."

Jablonski added: "This revolution in electronic manufacturing will speed the adoption and expansion of inexpensive devices such as micro sensors for food packaging, security monitoring, low cost consumer electronics, and any area where an inexpensive feedback device can be used to monitor conditions."

PChem is also taking its "better silver" nanoparticles into areas beyond printed electronics. Silver has been used for centuries to limit bacteria growth. Working with partners who have expertise in particular industry segments, PChem has begun to create silver nanoparticle formulations to support the development of antimicrobial coatings for use in plastics, textiles, and medical devices.

"There are a number of companies working to develop silver products for these marketplaces," Jablonski said. "PChem has adopted a different strategy than many of them by actively seeking well established industry leaders who can best guide the development of these new nanosilver products and support the accelerated adoption of these products by their existing customer base."

PChem's recently created Coating Division is an outgrowth of this focus on partnerships to develop antimicrobial applications and products.

For additional information on silver nanoparticle applications, contact Jack Kerins or visit www.nanopchem.com.

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About PChem Associates:
PChem Associates, located in Bensalem, Bucks County, PA has developed a unique nanoparticle technology for a broad range of applications with the initial focus on printed electronics and antimicrobial plastics and textiles. For electronic applications, PChem's technology delivers superior conductivity at a lower cost, with shorter processing times at lower temperatures. The unique silver nanopowder has a clear and distinct advantage when compared to existing alternatives. For antimicrobial applications, the simple nanoparticle manufacturing process allows the water-based silver nanoparticles to be manufactured simply and inexpensively, providing a competitive cost advantage.

For more information, please click here.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania:
Since 1982, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) has served as a catalyst for stimulating entrepreneurial potential with the integration of scientific discovery and technology development and through initiatives that accelerate commercialization. Part of a statewide network in Pennsylvania, BFTP/SEP provides entrepreneurs and established businesses the capital, talent, and expertise they need to compete in the global marketplace. BFTP/SEP has provided more than $110 million to over 1,400 regional enterprises through various funding means. BFTP/SEP is a founding partner of the Nanotechnology Institute™ (NTI) and the Mid-Atlantic Nanotechnology Alliance (MANA®) and is funded by Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development.

For more information, please click here.

Contact:
Jack Kerins, COO
PChem Associates, Inc
(215) 244-4603

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