Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Sigma-Aldrich To Host Molecular Self-Assembly Webcast"

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Abstract:
November 17 Webcast Features MSA Scientific Leaders Professor Paul Weiss and Professor Milan Mrksich

Sigma-Aldrich To Host Molecular Self-Assembly Webcast

Posted on November 11th, 2009

Sigma-Aldrich (NASDAQ: SIAL) announced it will host a technical webcast that examines Molecular Self-Assembly (MSA) technology for nanoscale patterning and for biochip arrays useful in high throughput medical diagnosis. This live event, titled, 'From Molecules to Monolayers: Self-Assembly and Analysis, Molecule by Molecule,' will feature technology-leading experts Professor Paul Weiss, Director of the California NanoSystems Institute, UCLA and Professor Milan Mrksich, Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Ill., and Investigator at Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

The webcast will be held at 9 a.m. Pacific Time, Tuesday, November 17, 2009, and will be simultaneously broadcast from the campuses of UCLA and Northwestern University. Technical details and registration are provided at sigma-aldrich.com/mswebcast.

MSA is the assembly of molecules without guidance or management from an outside source. The final desired structure is encoded in the shape and properties of the molecules used and in the order, in which they are introduced, as compared to traditional techniques, such as lithography, where the desired final structure is carved out from a larger block of matter. In nature, self-assembly occurs spontaneously, an example being the self-assembly of the cellular lipid bilayer membrane.

"By expanding our thinking in terms of molecular components, we have been able to develop new design rules for self-assembled structures and new ways of using them," said Professor Paul Weiss. "As a result, it is an exciting time to be working with these technologies."

Innovative molecules with designed interactions could be used for advanced patterning applications in hybrid lithographies with functionality to enable chemical patterning, biofunctionalization and precise three-dimensional nanostructures. For example, biochips are arrays of self-assembled materials, which allow multiple medical tests to be performed simultaneously. Simple MSAs are easily assessed and validated with current experimental techniques making them ideal to analyze sophisticated biomolecular assemblies. MSA may also prove to be a cost-effective way to create functional nanodevices such as nanowires, nanotransistors and nanosensors in large numbers.

"The magical combination of mass spectrometry with self-assembled monolayers enables label-free assays with biochips, which can be used to profile a broad range of biochemical activities," said Professor Milan Mrksich.

"Bringing materials science leaders and innovative technologies to the research community is important to Sigma-Aldrich," said Dr. Kaushik Patel, Sigma-Aldrich Materials Science Product Manager. "As the dimensions of designed surfaces become smaller, the challenge of fabricating and measuring these intricate surfaces increases and new intelligent materials and analysis tools are continually required." New families of molecules are being developed for self-assembly, continually broadening the application of these methods.

To learn more about MSA technology and its applications visit sigma-aldrich.com/selfassembly.

Cautionary Statement: This release contains forward-looking statements relating to future strategic actions and initiatives and similar intentions and beliefs and other statements regarding the Company's expectations, beliefs, intentions and the like, which involve assumptions regarding the Company's operations and conditions in the markets the Company serves. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Sigma-Aldrich is a registered trademark of Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology LP and Sigma-Aldrich Co.

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About Sigma-Aldrich
About Sigma-Aldrich: Sigma-Aldrich is a leading Life Science and High Technology company. Its biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostic and other high technology manufacturing.

Sigma-Aldrich has customers in life science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Over one million scientists and technologists use its products. Sigma-Aldrich operates in 38 countries and has 7,800 employees providing excellent service worldwide. Sigma-Aldrich is committed to Accelerating Customer Success through Innovation and Leadership in Life Science, High Technology and Service.

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Contacts:
Sean Battles
Sigma-Aldrich
314-286-7616

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