PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Solaris Nanosciences, developer and manufacturer of nanomaterials to significantly enhance optical response in large market applications, today announces that the World Gold Council is providing funding to pursue Solaris' anisotropic gold nanorod technology for improved Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). These nanoscale rod structures, or nanorods, when incorporated into liquid crystals are expected to improve display viewing angle performance of televisions, mobile phones and cameras. The same technology could help to restore the vision of people suffering from retinal diseases.

"We are excited to be working with the support of the World Gold Council in this application of our nanomaterials for improved LCDs," said Dr. Nabil M. Lawandy, CEO of Solaris Nanosciences. "The funding will accelerate the commercialization of our nanostructure additives for higher performance displays. This effort will also directly benefit the development of our gold- based materials for restoring visual acuity in patients suffering from retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD)."

The LCD market, which includes displays for televisions, cellular handsets, cameras and medical equipment, has grown significantly over the last ten years. Despite market success, however, one of the major drawbacks of current LCD technology is degradation of image and color beyond certain viewing angles. As LCDs are based on altering the phase of a light wave and not absorption of light, they appear to have a different color depending on the angle from which they are viewed.

Solaris has developed a new gold-based additive that can create a LCD with an absorptive response that allows liquid display materials to absorb light. The use of gold for this application is an absolute necessity. Gold is non- toxic, inert, does not degrade in sunlight and has the ideal optical parameters to create the required colors for visible display applications.

As part of the same research program, Solaris Nanosciences is developing biologically active gold-based nanostructures to help restore vision of people affected by Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy, diseases which collectively affect 50 million people worldwide. Current therapies do not restore vision, and are aimed at only slowing down the progression of the disease.

"Supporting the development of new technologies based on gold will lead to important new applications for the metal in industry," said Dr Richard Holliday, Industrial Sector Manager of the World Gold Council. "Solaris Nanosciences has a powerful nanotechnology platform and an experienced team to successfully commercialize this technology. This will lead to exciting new applications for gold in electronic products."

The current industrial demand for gold is around 350 to 400 tonnes a year, accounting for just ten per cent of global gold demand. This is a very low figure when compared to other precious metals, including platinum, palladium and silver. The World Gold Council believes that by supporting research and feasibility studies of the role gold can play in new technology, it will help to raise awareness of its unique properties and boost industrial demand.

SOLARIS NANOSCIENCES

Solaris is pursuing the application of its scalable, consumable nanoantenna platform to provide unique benefits to several large industry sectors. Solaris Nanosciences is applying its nanotechnology patent portfolio to become a leading manufacturer and licensor of nano-materials and the supporting technology.

The company is pursuing three major applications of its nanoantenna platform technology: advanced materials for photovoltaics, additives for liquid crystal displays and nanostructures for improving vision for medical and military applications. For additional information on Solaris and its technologies, visit http://www.solarisnano.com .

World Gold Council

The World Gold Council (WGC), a commercially-driven marketing organization, is funded by the world's leading gold mining companies. A global advocate for gold, the WGC aims to promote the demand for gold in all its forms through marketing activities in major international markets. For further information, visit http://www.gold.org .

Contact: Joshua J. Mandel Director, Business Development jmandel@solarisnano.com 401-351-6300

Contact: Anita Saunders Head of Public Relations, World Gold Council Anita.saunders@gold.org +44 20 7826 4716
Source: Solaris Nanosciences