R&D consultants share bio-nanotech expertise

Companies keen to develop biomedical and pharma applications using nanotechnology can access key expertise from UK r&d consultancy company Bio Nano Consulting (BNC).

Formerly known as the Nano Centre, the company is the product of a joint venture between Imperial College London and University College London.

The BNC offers a service to the biomedical and healthcare industries in microsystems and nanotechnology. This encompasses design, 3-D modelling and visualisation, rapid prototyping, and characterisation.

Established in late 2007, BNC provides a concept-to-market route for the bio-nanotechnology sector, and already has two projects underway with major pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies.

BNC combines experts in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, experienced product development professionals and a £5m investment in infrastructure, instrumentation and working capital, to provide companies with an unparalleled resource.

Expertise comes from senior researchers at Imperial College London, the University College London's London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) and the UK's National Physical Laboratory.

Particular specialist areas include virtual design, rapid prototyping and nano-characterisation.

Bio Nano Consulting ceo Dr David Sarphie, said: "Over the next 20 years or so, the developing science of nanotechnology is going to transform healthcare - and generate globally significant revenues. For example, it is estimated that by 2015, some 50-60% of drugs will have involved nanotechnology in some stage of the development or delivery process. BNC offers a new way for companies to develop exciting new therapies, diagnostics and biomedical products that make use of nanotechnology."

An experienced board including Professors Gabriel Aeppli and Mike Horton of LCN and Professor Tony Cass of Imperial College will provide particular expertise. In addition, the BNC's Industrial Advisory Board, composed of representatives from companies working in the biomedical sector, will ensure that technological concepts are successfully turned into reality, and projects will be run to schedule by highly experienced product development managers.

The BNC is funded through the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) with additional support from the London Development Agency (LDA).