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About ROAR
ROAR
Particles Ltd was formed in 2006 to exploit the technology that
was generated by Professor F Rowell at the University of Sunderland.
The University of Sunderland has a strong focus on nanotechnology
and analytical chemistry. The University has one of the largest
single groupings of experts in the UK, comprising of 3 professors
and a further 11 academics.
The Unit is part of the UIC, Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology,
Micro and Photonics Systems (CENAMPS) set up to commercially exploit
excellence with the five North East Universities.
Description of the Business
ROAR Particles Ltd is involved in the research, development and
manufacture of nanotechnology derived particles for commercial applications.
In the short-medium term (1 - 2 years) the company will concentrate
on supplying, via third-party producers, forensic particles which
will be sold in bulk to licensees globally. In the medium-long term
(2 - 5 years) the company will investigate entry into the Immigration
Screening, Employee Screening and Sports Testing Markets.
Development of Business Ideas
Using a ‘Proof on Concept Grant’ awarded by NStar valued
at £90k, ROAR Particles Ltd, via the University of Sunderland;
have developed a range of stable silica nanoparticles which have
embedded in them a variety of dyes and particles. An obvious commercial
application for the technology is the forensic market place and
in particular the profiling of latent fingerprints.
Based on patents taken out by the |
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University
of Sunderland, ROAR Particles Ltd was formed and patent
rights have been transferredto ROAR Particles Ltd for perpetuality,
globally and with the right to sublicense.
Principle Products or Services
ROAR Particles Ltd will offer the following products and services:
• Nanoparticle powders that will
replace traditional dusting powders that are used to define and
profile latent fingerprints
• Nanoparticles for use in identifying
compounds which may be left on latent fingerprints from human contact
e.g. of drug abuse (cocaine), nicotine and explosives
• Nanoparticles for use in the
identification of endogenous and exogenous metabolites within the
structure of fingerprints e.g. prescribed drugs (anti-epileptics,
anti-depressives, anti-psychotics, antibiotics etc)
• Nanoparticles for skin cell
harvesting from latent print deposits which would be ale to detect
and record DNA profiles.
The Management Team
The CEO’s responsibility will cover the company’s strategy,
marketing issues and financing requirements, both short-long term.
Mr J Arend (Chief Executive Officer)
After obtaining his degree from London School of Economics,
Mr Arend joined Richardson Merrell (now
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part
of Proctor Gamble) and for eight years worked
in various marketing capacities
up to Director of Marketing for both OTC
and ethical pharmaceuticals in the USA, Australasia and Europe. Mr
Arend joined Rhone Poulenc as a regional general manager (Asia/South
East Asia) in charge of ethical and OTC pharmaceuticals and later
was head of consumer pharmaceuticals for the group. In 1987 he started
an independent consultancy advising emerging biotechnologies on business
planning, business development, strategy, and fund raising. Mr Arend
has been a prime mover and both executive and non-executive director
in the start-up and subsequent flotation of several biotech companies
including Antisoma plc, Osmotech plc, Reflect Technologies plc, Enzacta
plc, Doctors Direct plc and Analytical NanoTechnologies plc.
CSO
The CSO’s responsibility will be undertaking research and development
in line with the strategical goals of the company.
Professor Frederic Rowell (Chief Scientific Officer)
Professor Rowell has over 34 years of research and development experience
and has specialised in analytical chemistry with an emphasis of bioreactor
technology. He has been the author of over 100 publications in peer
reviewed journals and has generated £2.1 million in research
grants from industry, charity and UK/EU governmental and funding agencies.
Professor Rowell has worked with Technia Diagnostics, International
Laboratory Services Ltd, Cambridge Life Sciences plc, World Health
Organisation, Horse Racing Forensic Laboratory and Helena Biosciences
in a consultancy capacity. |
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