PITTSBURGH, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse (PLSG), a partnership to put the region’s life sciences industry on a fast track for growth, today announced that BIOSAFE Inc. is leasing laboratory space in the PLSG Incubator. BIOSAFE has developed an anti- microbial process for multiple applications, including one that can be used to help protect soldiers and citizens from biological warfare agents.
“We are thrilled to help BIOSAFE lay the foundation for its future growth by providing the space necessary for them to conduct research that will ultimately impact many areas of our lives -- the use of antimicrobial agents is something we are all familiar with, we use anti-bacterial hand cleansers, anti-microbial cleaning products in our homes, treated baby products and athletic items,” says Dr. Doros Platika, PLSG President & CEO. “The technology that BIOSAFE is developing will impact many niche markets while also making the world safer for all individuals.” Dr. Platika continued, “The company’s progress has already been recognized by the federal government’s Department of Defense through the awarding of an important contract that focuses on soldier safety. We’re confident that BIOSAFE’s technologies and processes will find many applications that evolve into profitable ventures which will create jobs and prominence for the region by truly saving lives.”
BIOSAFE’s patented innovative antimicrobial application process enables an antimicrobial to be incorporated into various materials. Polymers, solid surfaces, and fabrics are treated producing a durable, long-lasting protective antimicrobial coating. BIOSAFE utilizes an EPA approved antimicrobial agent characterized by its effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria, low toxicity, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.
In September 2004, BIOSAFE was awarded a Department of Defense contract of $750,000 to demonstrate the effectiveness of the BIOSAFE process for “Biocidal Textiles for Soldier Protection and Homeland Defense.” The purpose of this project is to provide protection for our soldiers from bio-terror agents. This contract is a significant milestone in the growth of BIOSAFE.
“BIOSAFE has demonstrated that its process can be used with many commonly used materials and solid surfaces,” said Gerry Getman, Chief Executive officer of BIOSAFE. “Research and development to date confirms this wide range of current and potential applications within BIOSAFE’s targeted medical, commercial, and government markets. BIOSAFE intends to continue filing patents referencing the treatment of various surfaces and materials.”
About the PLSG Incubator
The PLSG Incubator is co-located with the PLSG administrative and support functions, which together occupy 17,000 square feet of space on the fourth floor of Bridgeside Point, better known as the Cellomics Building on Technology Drive in Pittsburgh. Incubator facilities consist of 40 percent lab and 60 percent office space and houses 14 life sciences organizations, which also have convenient access to other services programs offered by the PLSG.
About the PLSG
The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse is a public/private partnership, founded by the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, UPMC Health System, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its regional foundation community. Together with private industry and advanced research and healthcare capabilities of our institutional partners, PLSG invests in and supports the growth of regional life sciences companies in the areas of: bioinformatics; bionanotechnology; diagnostics; medical devices; medical robotics; therapeutics; and tools and services.
Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse
CONTACT: Tim O’Brien of O’Brien Communications, +1-412-854-8845; or LynnBanaszak of Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse, +1-412-770-1353
