One of RINTek’s key objectives is to establish a regional nanotechnology toxicity research center that will investigate the effects of eingineered nanoparticles on living organisms. This is in alignment with the NNI’s first goal of research and fourth goal of societal responsibility and the goals of NIOSH, the National Toxicology Program, the EPA, and several other agency efforts. A regional center coupled to our major medical research corridor in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin will be a major asset to the area.

This very important area of research has not yet been given sufficient attention and more and more focus is being generated. With hundred of products already on the market and thousands more about to be released that make use of engineered nanoparticles to various purposes, the short and long term effects are not well understood. We as a society do not want to allow technological successes blindside us with unforseen health or environmental calamities that could be prevented. RINTek intends to be a contributor to the understanding of the effects of nanoparticles in both areas.

RINTek's initial strategy is to focus on toxicology research and molecular modeling in collaboration with St. Cloud State University. RINTek will add analytical and research laboratories and research staff in Q2 - Q4 2007. Once we have internal capabilities, we will partner with other research organizations to generate proposals to the various government entities seeking research funds. Several research targets are being considered such as existing and uncontrolled sunscreen and cosmetic products that contain nanoparticles, and government research grants from NIOSH, EPA, and NSF either directly or in conjunction with a partner. As an example, the EPA has just announced a new ruling that removes from the market products used as antibiotic devices that contain nanosized silver particles as the antibiotic agent. To reintroduce any such products requires proof that they do not affect living organisms except where intended. Such research is difficult and expensive.

Our current timeline calls for hiring a Research Director/Scientist in the Q2-Q3 07 window so we can begin operations before the end of 2007. Our laboratories will provide analytical capabilities that wll be used for educational purposes as well as research, and wet lab capabilities geared to toxicology. In addition, the plan is to have computer lab capabilities to support these areas as well as molecular modeling done under the auspices of St. Cloud University.