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Antimicrobial polymer technology from TiFiber stakes a spot in NPE's Startup GarageAntimicrobial polymer technology from TiFiber stakes a spot in NPE's Startup Garage

The antimicrobials market is growing at a rapid pace—business analysts predict that it will be worth $3.3 billion globally by 2018—and start-up TiFiber (Fayetteville, AR) wants to tap into that trend. The company will present its broad-spectrum biocompatible antimicrobial polymer (AMP) technology in the Startup Garage section of NPE2015 in Orlando, FL.

January 26, 2015

3 Min Read
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The antimicrobials market is growing at a rapid pace—business analysts predict that it will be worth $3.3 billion globally by 2018—and start-up TiFiber (Fayetteville, AR) wants to tap into that trend. The company will present its broad-spectrum biocompatible antimicrobial polymers (AMP) technology in the Startup Garage section of NPE2015 in Orlando, FL.

The Startup Garage, developed by SPI: The Plastics Trade Association and hosted by Startup.Directory, showcases early-stage companies selected by program organizers. The 12 companies invited thus far will showcase innovations in bioplastics, 3D printing, graphenes, and more. Exhibitors pay a reduced rate for exhibition floor space, which makes it possible for startups like TiFiber to be part of the largest plastics trade show in North America. "The rate made it economically feasible for us to participate," says company CEO Calvin Goforth, who is looking forward to networking opportunities at the event. For a full list of participating companies and to learn more about the program, read "Exhibitors in the 'Startup Garage' will showcase innovative polymer technology."

In the crowded antimicrobials space, TiFiber has a technological advantage that distinguishes it from competitors, according to Chief Scientist Mike Rutherford, Ph.D. "Compared with other existing antimicrobial materials, our technology expands the possibilities of tailoring formulations to fit various application needs," Rutherford told PlasticsToday. "That is one of the attributes that separates TiFiber from antimicrobials, such as Triclosan, which are limited to a single formulation. We can tailor such things as solubility and color."

"It's also important to note the polymer's high-temperature stability and its flexibility in terms of how it can be blended with other materials," adds Goforth. "It can be incorporated as a nanofiber, microbead, coating, or through electrospinning." Thus far, he and Rutherford have not come across any materials that are incompatible with this technology. "We're not saying there aren't any," says Rutherford. "We just have not found them."

AMP technology reportedly is effective against gram (+) and gram (-) strains as well as MRSA, and has a near-instantaneous kill rate.

Applications include wound-care and related medical products, personal care goods, and textiles. The possibilities are almost endless, but as a new kid on the block—TiFiber was founded in 2010—Goforth is taking a careful, methodical approach.

"Our focus right now is on personal care," says Goforth. "The first application, pending regulatory approval, involves integration of our antimicrobial technology in a soap. It's a potential $100 million opportunity within a multibillion dollar industry."

Medical device applications are at an earlier stage, but moving forward nonetheless. Discussions are underway with medical manufacturers, says Goforth, who adds that samples have been sent out for evaluation.

TiFiber licensed the technology from the University of Auckland in New Zealand in 2013. Its IP portfolio also includes a titanium dioxide–based nanofiber membrane technology, developed at the University of Arkansas, which is currently finding applications in air and water filtration.

TiFiber is a portfolio company of VIC Technology Venture Development LLC, which is also headed by Goforth. VIC has developed a virtual enterprising business model to support high-impact, IP-based start-ups. Funding into TiFiber to date is about $1 million, according to Goforth, who adds that the company is in the process of raising additional capital.

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