Questions and Answers

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get started?

Send us a non-confidential description of your proposed application. Details such as the following - to the extent they can be provided on a nonconfidential basis - would be useful in determining whether there would be a good fit between Cellresin's technology and your project: what is the benefit sought by employing Cellresin's technology; state of current development; extent of patent coverage (if any); patent or application numbers (if published); anticipated market potential and competition. If a fit appears probable, then we would proceed to a confidential disclosure agreement so that these and other details can be elaborated further to define the opportunity and the best way Cellresin can collaborate with you to contribute to the success of your project.

2. What kind of business arrangement can I make with Cellresin?

Cellresin business approach is to earn revenue from the use of its technology - not from the sale of products. We are quite flexible in how such a business arrangement could be structured. Most often it is in the form of a license agreement whereby we receive a royalty based upon the sale of products by you or your designated sales organization. The license would be for countries of interest to you and, if we have no prior commitment, we can provide you with a period of exclusivity. Prior to a license, we usually enter into a development agreement to work together to apply our technology in the best and most economical way to your application.

3. What advantages would I enjoy in dealing with Cellresin?

Cellresin is the oldest and most knowledgeable organization in applying cyclodextrin technology to materials problems. You will benefit by our applying our knowledge and expertise which has been developed over many years at a cost of millions of dollars. Our technology is protected by a formidable array of patents, under which you could operate under a license. Our technical experts are available to work with you under a joint development agreement to help you create a new and superior product.

4. What type of resin matrices are Cellresin materials available for?

The number continues to expand but can be broken into three main categories: polyolefins, polycondensation polymers, and coatings. If you have questions about your specific resin or coating, please do not hesitate to inquire.

5. Are all Cellresin technologies the same?

Different Cellresin patented technologies are available for thermoplastic resins and aqueous coating systems. The main properties that differentiate Cellresin technologies are cavity size, thermal stability, polymer system compatibility and non-covalent inclusion complex formation performance. Three pore sizes are available and may be used in combination to achieve a specific functionality within an application. The hydroxyl groups on a cyclodextrins can be chemically substituted to change the solubility, compatibility, and thermostability. Chemical adducts bonded to a cyclodextrin molecule (i.e., cyclodextrin derivative) or cyclodextrin molecules grafted to an olefin resin is designed to be compatible with a specific polymer system and conversion process as well as having an application specific inclusion complex forming ability. Cellresin also has nanometal particle technology for use in thermoplastic resins to immobilize reactive penetrant molecules (e.g., carboxylic acids, mercaptans, etc.).

6. Is Cyclodextrin approved for food contact?

Under section 409(h)(2)(C) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) (21 U.S.C. 348), Cellresin received Food Contact Notification (FCN) for the use of the food contact substance poly(ethylene-maleic anhydride) grafted cyclodextrin(s). Effective September 14, 2004, grafted cyclodextrin compositions - subject to the descriptions of its intended use and limitations and specifications - were added to the list of effective notifications for Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCN 435) available on the USFDA's web site ( http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnNavigation.cfm?rpt=fcsListing ). In the U.S., alpha-, beta- and gamma- cyclodextrins have self-affirmed GRAS status. Cyclodextrin derivatives are an unapproved food additive and cannot be marketed without prior FDA approval and publication authorizing the intended condition of use.

7. Can Cellresin meet large quantity commercial requirements?

Yes. Cyclodextrins (alpha, beta, gamma) are available commercially in million tonne quantities from Wacker Chemical Corporation. Large volume pricing is available on these materials.

8. Can I take advantage of Cellresin technology if I do not have compounding capabilities?

Yes. Cellresin or one of our industry partners can provide material in several masterbatch forms. Masterbatches are available from commercial compounders. Single-screw and twin-screw compounding extruders capable of high shear mixing are recommended. Preference is given to twin-screw co-rotating segmented barrel extruders but single screw extruders properly engineered and set up can also provide adequate dispersion of Cellresin technology in thermoplastic. Cellresin will be happy to show you how to best implement the technology for your needs.

9. Will I need to buy special equipment to utilize Cellresin in a masterbatch form?

One of the great benefits to processing a Cellresin masterbatch is that normally there is no need to purchase special equipment, or significantly change your processing conditions. No modifications are required other than the addition of additive feeders or pre-blenders if they are not present. Standard conditions used for homogenizing most masterbatch additives should be adequate.

10. What about interactions with resin system additives?

Organic process additives. There is little or no interaction with most common resin processing aids. Interaction occurring between cyclodextrin and specific polyolefin additives can be minimized in some cases by selecting a pore size that does not favor complexation of specific additives. Careful control of temperature, concentration or compounding conditions can be used to minimize interaction. Inorganic processing aids. Generally speaking, inorganic compound interaction with cyclodextrin is almost nonexistent in non-aqueous resin systems.

11. What is Cellresin's patent position?

Cellresin currently has 23 issued U.S. patents and an extensive portfolio of foreign equivalents covering the use of cyclodextrin and nanometal particles in a wide-variety of materials derived from synthetic polymers and natural fibers. Cellresin has a strong patent position in rigid containers, barrier films and coatings, cellulosic web barriers, sealing elements and nonwoven fibers.