Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Nanostart holding Namos achieves important milestone

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Abstract:
- Proprietary process from Namos reduces precious metal consumption for making automotive catalytic converters by up to 50%

- Successful completion of aging test marks major step toward market introduction

- Test confirms that new technology functions flawlessly at high operating temperatures

Nanostart holding Namos achieves important milestone

Frankfurt / Dresden, Germany | Posted on October 30th, 2008

The successful completion of an aging test marks a significant step forward for the new catalytic converter technology from Namos GmbH, a Dresden-based company partly owned by Nanostart AG. This new process is anticipated to reduce the consumption of precious metals such as platinum in the production of automotive catalytic converters by up to one half.

Of all the testing procedures which must be fulfilled before full market introduction, the aging test is particularly important. This purpose of this test is to prove that the catalytic converter remains functional when it is subjected to temperatures of more than 600 C for an extended period of time. In many cases, these conditions can lead to a coarsening of the precious metal particles, resulting in a rapid impairment of function.

Under the simulated aging conditions, Namos was able to successfully prove that automotive catalytic converters produced using its proprietary bionanotechnology-based process continue to function flawlessly even at the high temperatures experienced in actual automotive use.

Dr. Jürgen Hofinger, Managing Director of Namos GmbH, commented on the completion of this milestone: 'The successful completion of the aging tests are both a source of satisfaction for us and an incentive to push forward. The next step will be to simulate the relevant application parameters in model catalytic converters. Following that, prototypes will be produced and tested in both automotive testing facilities and in actual vehicles.'

News of the successful completion of the aging tests has met with enthusiasm in the automotive industry. According to industry experts, confirmation of these results in actual catalytic converters will be convincing proof of the technical superiority of the new process from Namos.

Some 230 metric tons of new, non-recycled precious metals are currently consumed annually for the coating of automotive catalytic converters, corresponding to a value of USD 8.3 billion dollars. The new technology from Namos could save one half of this amount, or more than USD 4 billion dollars annually.

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About Nanostart AG
Nanostart AG is the world's leading nanotechnology investment company. The Frankfurt-based company provides venture capital financing for nanotechnology companies in various growth phases. It also provides the benefits of its experience and expertise to developers of financial instruments and to investors in the nanotechnology sector.

About Namos:

Namos GmbH develops highly innovative coatings based on aqueous solutions, with a focus on nanostructured surfaces which offer uniquely advantageous characteristics. Rather than producing these with a large number of complex process steps, these are produced using biomolecules which use their inherent 'intelligence' to organize themselves in certain ways into the desired structures. The company has long maintained intensive contacts with leading-edge research centers, particularly within the area of Dresden. The customers and cooperation partners of Namos include renowned major corporations as well as smaller and specialized companies. For further information, please visit www.namos.de.

Disclaimer:

This notice constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to purchase or subscribe to securities. There will be no public offering of securities of Nanostart AG in conjunction with the existing listing of its shares in the 'Entry Standard' segment of the regulated unofficial market (Freiverkehr) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This notice does not constitute a securities prospectus. Neither this notice nor the information contained within is intended for direct or indirect distribution within the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan.

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Contacts:
Media contact:
Nanostart AG Public Relations
Dr. Hans Joachim Dürr
Goethestrasse 26-28 D-60313
Frankfurt

Germany phone: +49 (0)69/219396-111
fax: +49 (0)69/219396-122

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