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
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Related links:
http://www.solarisnano.com
http://www.gold.org
CONTACT:
Joshua J. Mandel, Director, Business
Development of Solaris Nanosciences, +1-401-351-6300,
jmandel@solarisnano.com; or Anita Saunders, Head of Public
Relations of World Gold Council, +44 20 7826 4716,
Anita.saunders@gold.org
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