23-05-2005 --- Evident Technologies today introduced
the first commercially available non heavy-metal
quantum dot product for life science research, its
Molecular Plate T2-MP EviTags.
"To our knowledge, these are the first commercially
available bright, long-lasting, quantum dots that
do not contain heavy metals, and they represent a
real advance in our field," said Clinton Ballinger,
Ph.D., CEO of Evident Technologies. "We expect continued
use and testing of these EviTags fluorescent labels
to open new avenues for life science research."
"The T2-MP EviTags offer a potential range of benefits over traditional quantum
dots, especially the possibility of lower toxicity, and, when further developed,
a wider range of colors into the near infrared," said Ballinger. "They can also
open up potentially vast markets in the European Union and Japan, where researchers
have been hesitant to experiment with traditional quantum dots since they typically
contain heavy metals that require special handling."
Evident's T2-MP EviTags feature three significant developments: a new ternary
(a three component) core material system, new molecular plating shells, and
a natural coating on the outer layer.
At the core of the proprietary technology are Evident's Indium Gallium Phosphide
(InGaP) quantum dots, which are then coated with a metallic molecular plating.
The Molecular Plate(tm) is lattice matched - with a matched pattern of atoms
- to improve its molecular bonding to the core. This results in a quantum dot
with high brightness and increased stability for longer lasting fluorescence.
Evident then further envelopes the plated InGaP quantum dots with a natural
coating. This coating allows for high stability in water, can be readily functionalized
for life science applications, is long lasting in the harsh environments encountered
in biological assays, and is potentially less toxic to cells than traditional
heavy metal quantum dots.
The new T2-MP EviTags, are available in the deep red wavelengths used in life
science research, and offer the possibility to create new classes of assays
for use where current testing materials could produce cytotoxicity or cell
death. Potential applications include in vivo imaging - including live cell
and even whole animal imaging, blood cancer assays, and numerous other applications.
"Deep red colors are of particular interest to the biological researcher," said
Alex Davies, of Antibodies, Inc., a leader in primary and secondary antibody
manufacturing and applications. "And having a biologically compatible quantum
dot label also lets us further explore in vivo assays, following cells inside
living organism to get a new understanding of life."
"We are excited about this new product because it addresses the concerns we have
in Japan about Cadmium" commented Shingo Funaki, President of Ocean Photonics,
Inc., a leading photonic company. "Many of our customers have asked for an alternative
material and we are pleased that the team at Evident has completed the development
of this new material system. This pioneering effort is greatly appreciated by
our customers."
The deep red T2-MP EviTags are available immediately in wavelengths of Macoun
Red (650nm) and Jonamac Red (680nm), with carboxyl, amine, biotin and non-functionalized
surfaces.
Evident Technologies
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