Archive for March, 2020

NanoBCA Members Alert: EPA suspends enforcement of environmental laws amid coronavirus

Posted on March 31st, 2020 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a sweeping suspension of its enforcement of environmental laws Thursday, telling companies they would not need to meet environmental standards during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Please click the following link to read the entire letter from the EPA:

COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program

The temporary policy, for which the EPA has set no end date, would allow any number of industries to bypass environmental laws, with the agency saying it will not “seek penalties for noncompliance with routine monitoring and reporting obligations.”

“EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment, but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement.

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NANO NEWS

Below are various financial opportunities for companies:

Opportunities for innovations addressing COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

BARDA partnerships page

Present products/technologies to USG stakeholders to address response

BARDA BAA for products to diagnose, prevent or treat coronavirus infection

NSF RAPID funding mechanism for existing funding opportunities

NIAID & NIGMS Urgent Award mechanism to expand scope of currently active awards

CDC BAA for applied research to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) emerging public health emergency

Flexibilities for innovators impacted by COVID-19

Relief for USPTO customers and other notices on USPTO regarding COVID-19

Information for NIH Applicants and Awardees

NSF information

NASA SBIR/STTR proposal due date extended

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As we proceed through an extension of ‘social distancing’ at least until the end of April, please know that those of you who live in parts of the country that have been affected the most by this virus remain in our thoughts & prayers with the hope we can be together under more relaxed circumstances, in the not too distant future. In the meantime, ‘Stay home and stay safe’.

NanoBCA Announces Breakthrough Integricote Nanocoating

Posted on March 31st, 2020 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Today, I am pleased to share the following announcement from NanoBCA Member, Dr. Shay Curran, CEO of Integricote Inc. Shay has been a member of the nanotechnology community for the past 15 years. This is a game-changing nanocoating that will be applied to face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Improving Protection: Nanotech Coating Developed by UH Researchers Improves Protective Abilities of Surgical Masks
University of Houston

Innovative Nanotechnology Coating Could Ease Critical Shortage of Masks
Improves protection for health, emergency professionals

Houston, March 28, 2020 – Integricote has announced a breakthrough coating that creates a droplet / fluid / water-repellent barrier, making inexpensive (and more readily available) masks and other PPE products an effective way to hinder SARS-CoV-2.

The innovative new coating, based on a decade of research and many US and international patents and filed applications, is designed to address and meet the emergency need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is designed to specifically deliver a protective coating for facemasks, surgical scrubs, air filters, and bed linens.

Integricote’s founder, a 30-year nanotechnology veteran and UH professor, Dr. Shay Curran, said “At a time when specialized medical safety equipment is in critical demand and short supply, we are excited to offer a real solution to provide water repellent coatings that work on painters masks, fabrics, and vent filters made from fiberglass and fabrics. This effectively reduces the risk of any waterborn organism – including the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – from penetrating a coated fabric.”

The nanocoating is available now for manufacturers of PPEs. It can also be used on older out-ofdate N95 masks or lower cost masks that need to be enhanced. Before using masks, scrubs, etc., have suppliers spray on the coating to give front line health workers added protection.

“Using cloths, scarves, homemade masks, and other fabrics is not a good move. We don’t have to go there when Integricote can help now. Tell your health officials, your PPE suppliers, your governor, and other elected officials that there are other options. This is where the US needs to be winning the war against COVID-19. Our focus should be on finding a cure, doing the right thing, and protecting our frontline workers,” according to Curran.

Contact Becky Scott at becky@integricote.com for more details on how we can help your state and local hospitals – this is not for individuals right now but for medical suppliers and manufacturers.

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Established in 2013, Integricote is a nanocompany that has been working on water repellent coatings on many surfaces including fabrics, tarps, wood, and masonry. Integricote products and solutions are designed to improve the nature and quality of the surfaces we protect. The technology was developed in the materials/chemistry labs (Institute for NanoEnergy) of the physics department at the University of Houston.

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Kudos to Dr. Curran and his team.

Save the Date: 19th Annual NanoBusiness Conference 6/4 DC

Posted on March 31st, 2020 in Uncategorized | No Comments »

We are excited to announce the NanoBusiness Commercialization Association’s (NanoBCA) return to Washington DC for our 19th Annual NanoBusiness Conference!

19th Annual NanoBusiness Conference
Thursday, June 4, 2020
K&L Gates Washington DC

This year’s event will feature experts from private industry, representatives from government agencies, and public policy leaders who will address the opportunities and challenges in the ongoing commercialization of nanotechnology-based products and nanomaterials.

It has been an honor to serve this unique scientific and engineering community since its inception 19 years ago.  It has been a labor of love to see our community continue to grow, with organizations that had no employees 15 years ago expand to have 100 employees today.

NANO NEWS
TSCA New Chemical Determinations: A Working Approach for Making Determinations Under TSCA Section 5

Public Policy Statement
By NanoBCA, Vincent Caprio, Executive Director
NanoViricides Closes on $8.625 Million Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock
MarketWatch

Omni Nano Wins Challenge Grant!
I am pleased to announce that our education member, Omni Nano, will receive a total of $50,000 in new funds to educate the next generation of scientists and engineers in nanotechnology! Many of you have referred a potential donor, passed the message along, reached out by making phone calls, and shared the call-to-action on social media. We are especially thankful to those who donated. We cannot thank you enough!

NNCO Announcement: Celebrating Inspiring Women Nanoscientists
For Women’s History Month, we invite you to honor the women nanoscientists who inspire you. These may be women who have paved the way in nano research, up-and-coming researchers who are going to change the world with their work, or amazing teachers and mentors. Use #womeninnano and #womeninscience on Twitter or LinkedIn to highlight your favorite women in nanoscience and nanotechnology. This month, we celebrate all women who are making a difference in the nano community! 

Carbon nanotubes added to the SIN List as a nanomaterial of Very High Concern
Nature Nanotechnology

Our annual NanoBusiness Conference offers outstanding opportunities to connect with a diverse nanotechnology-related group of professionals in the heart of Washington DC. We hope you will be able to join us!