Spin-out profile: MICROPORE TECHNOLOGIES
Micropore technologies provides specialist particle formation and filtration testing and development facilities and supplies equipment for the cosmetic, food, chemical, oil and pharmaceutical industries. These services and products are based on its proprietary filtration system which allows controlled, uniform filtration more quickly and efficiently than is possible with existing filtration methods.
BACKGROUND
Micropore Technologies is a commercial vehicle for bringing to market the pioneering technologies developed from research at Loughborough University into separation and filtration. Micropore Technologies system for membrane emulsification, microfiltration, particle formation and encapsulation and process development creates a cost effective quality end product and works faster and more efficiently than conventional processes.
PRODUCT
The key technologies developed by the company is its novel microfiltration membranes, useful for a range of sieving extrusion operations. The membrane design is unusual as it is microporous with uniform equally spaced pores. This differs from conventional methods which rely on depth filtration and so do not give a uniform, controlled treatment.
The membranes are ideal for filtration, for the extrusion of polymers and for the manufacture of dispersed products formed by injecting one liquid into another immiscible liquid through the membrane, such as monomer oil into an aqueous continuous phase. An advantage is that droplets are formed using shear at the membrane surface, so they don’t require the addition of an emulsifier. After injection it is possible to process the dispersed phase to form solid particles, including encapsulated products.
FORWARD STRATEGY
There is a wide market for the technology, with applications including polymerised particles, blood diagnostic particles based on PVA, controlled release pharmaceuticals, food products, flavourings and fragrances, and filtration for the oil industry. For example the technology could be used to vastly reduce the amount of oil in the water discharged from offshore oil rigs, reducing environmental damage and wastage of this valuable resource. This is a substantial market as it is estimated that around 5,000 tonnes of oil each year escapes into the sea from offshore rigs in the UK sector alone.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The microfiltration technologies are trademarked under VibraFilter®.
CONTACT DETAILS
Micropore Technologies Ltd.
Loughborough Innovation Centre
Epinal Way
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3EH
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)1509 225820
F: +44 (0)1509 228892