tools to characterize sub micron particles in complex mixtures

Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com RFP format and graphics© Copyright 2011 NineSigma, Inc

REQUEST # 66981

Tools to Characterize Sub-micron Particles in Complex Mixtures

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

NineSigma, representing a global materials company, invites proposals for technologies and validated methods of high throughput detection, quantitation, and analysis of sub-micron particles in complex formulations.

The successful technology will:

Detect and quantify particle: o Number o Size o Size distribution o Weight o Chemical nature o 0.1% precision required for number

and weight quantification of target populations (1-100 nm, 100-500 nm, 500-1000 nm)

Be applicable to particles that have varying: o Morphologies, e.g. spheres, needles,

etc. o Chemical compositions o Sizes (< 1 nm to several microns)

Include sample preparation and manipulation

Function with samples of insoluble solids in complex formulas that are aqueous, or

contain oils, surfactants, or other compounds

Be automated and can be adapted for high throughput measurements

The RFP Sponsor is especially interested in approaches that apply to nanomaterials of 1-100 nm. BACKGROUND

Industrial applications of nanomaterials have opened industries to major challenges in their control, characterization and quantification. The detection of these particles, that have dimensions below the wavelength of visible light, is highly challenging, particularly when they are incorporated into complex mixtures or are by-products of industrial processes. The stability of nanoparticles, their aggregation and evolution is of particular importance, and the evaluation and control of these parameters is necessary across industries.

The RFP Sponsor seeks systems that can be used internally to evaluate its own products, but current approaches to the evaluation of nanomaterials in complex mixtures are not generally applicable to a wide range of situations.

RESPONSE DUE DATE: December 7, 2011

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MANAGER: Stephanie Orellana, Ph.D.

SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK

EMAIL: PhD@ninesigma.com PHONE: +1-216-283-3901

Opportunity

Licensing, contract research,joint development, consultancy Timeline

Phase 1 – Proof of concept within 4 months Phase 2 – Development Financials

All terms to be negotiated as warranted Keywords Nanoparticle characterization, particle sizing methods

NineSigma Request # 66981 Tools to Characterize Sub-micron Particles in Complex Mixtures Page 2

Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com

They do not provide accurate measurements of particle number, heterogeneity or composition, and they are not amenable to automation and to integration into high throughput systems. POSSIBLE APPROACHES

Possible approaches might include, but are not limited to:

Electron microscopy

Laser granulometry: light diffusion, light diffraction, centrifugal disk

Ultrasound spectroscopy

Charge/mass evaluation and mass spectrometry

Chromatography

Methods developed from biological applications (electrophoresis, cytology, immunology, etc.)

APPROACHES NOT OF INTEREST

The following approaches are not of interest:

Radioisotopic methods

Methods that are dangerous for humans in a laboratory setting

Methods requiring regulatory certification ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN

NineSigma’s client will select compelling proposals for preliminary direct discussions to further assess the technology and determine possible next steps including:

Phase 1 – Proof of concept, feasibility testing, demonstration in responder’s own industry to be followed by evaluation of client’s sample

Phase 2 – Development, adaptation to RFP Sponsor’s materials CRITERIA FOR MOVING FROM PHASE 1 TO PHASE 2

Delivery of a detailed protocol with analyzed data

Characterization of 50 g (maximum) of RFP Sponsor’s formula

APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST

Responses from companies, academic researchers, other research institutes, consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are welcome.

Appropriate responses will use the proposal template and address the following:

Features of the proposed strategy that will achieve the stated aims

Data demonstrating achievement of the technical specifications

Potential ease of transfer for this application

User safety

Availability of protypes, if applicable

Cost and / or budget estimates

The intellectual property status around the proposed technology, and a discussion of the RFP Sponsor’s potential freedom to exploit

Preferred business arrangements (licensing, joint development, supply etc…)

RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST

NON-CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE

By submitting a Response you represent that the Response does not and will not be deemed to contain any confidential information of any kind whatsoever. Your Response should be an executive summary (about 3 pages). The Response should briefly describe the technical approach and provide information on technology performance, background, and description of the responding team and their related experience. By submitting a Response, you acknowledge that NineSigma’s client reserves the sole and absolute right and discretion to select for award all, some, or none of the Responses received for this announcement. NineSigma’s client also may choose to select only specific tasks within a proposal for award. NineSigma's client has the sole and absolute discretion to determine all award amounts.

RESPONSE EVALUATION

NineSigma’s client will evaluate the Response using the

following criteria:

Overall scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach

Approach to proof of concept or performance

Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the technology novel or protectable)

Economic potential of concept

Respondent’s capabilities and related experience

Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates

The client will contact respondents with highly responsive proposals for next steps.