1. REQUEST # 66981
Tools to Characterize Sub-micron Particles in Complex Mixtures
RESPONSE DUE DATE: December 7, 2011
MANAGER: Stephanie Orellana, Ph.D.
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
EMAIL: PhD@ninesigma.com PHONE: +1-216-283-3901
Opportunity
Licensing, contract research,joint development, consultancy
(click buttons above)
Timeline
Phase 1 – Proof of concept within 4 months
Phase 2 – Development
Financials
All terms to be negotiated as warranted
Keywords
Nanoparticle characterization, particle sizing methods
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION contain oils, surfactants, or other
NineSigma, representing a global materials compounds
company, invites proposals for technologies  Be automated and can be adapted for high
and validated methods of high throughput throughput measurements
detection, quantitation, and analysis of sub-
The RFP Sponsor is especially interested in
micron particles in complex formulations.
approaches that apply to nanomaterials of 1-
The successful technology will: 100 nm.
 Detect and quantify particle:
o Number BACKGROUND
o Size Industrial applications of nanomaterials have
o Size distribution opened industries to major challenges in their
o Weight control, characterization and quantification. The
o Chemical nature detection of these particles, that have dimensions
o 0.1% precision required for number below the wavelength of visible light, is highly
and weight quantification of target challenging, particularly when they are
populations (1-100 nm, 100-500 nm, incorporated into complex mixtures or are by-
500-1000 nm) products of industrial processes. The stability of
 Be applicable to particles that have varying: nanoparticles, their aggregation and evolution is
o Morphologies, e.g. spheres, needles, of particular importance, and the evaluation and
etc. control of these parameters is necessary across
o Chemical compositions industries.
o Sizes (< 1 nm to several microns)
 Include sample preparation and The RFP Sponsor seeks systems that can be
manipulation used internally to evaluate its own products, but
current approaches to the evaluation of
 Function with samples of insoluble solids in
nanomaterials in complex mixtures are not
complex formulas that are aqueous, or
generally applicable to a wide range of situations.
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com
RFP format and graphics© Copyright 2011 NineSigma, Inc

2. NineSigma Request # 66981 Tools to Characterize Sub-micron Particles in Complex Mixtures Page 2
They do not provide accurate measurements of Appropriate responses will use the proposal
particle number, heterogeneity or composition, template and address the following:
and they are not amenable to automation and to
integration into high throughput systems.  Features of the proposed strategy that will
achieve the stated aims
POSSIBLE APPROACHES  Data demonstrating achievement of the
Possible approaches might include, but are not technical specifications
limited to:  Potential ease of transfer for this application
 User safety
 Electron microscopy  Availability of protypes, if applicable
 Laser granulometry: light diffusion, light  Cost and / or budget estimates
diffraction, centrifugal disk  The intellectual property status around the
 Ultrasound spectroscopy proposed technology, and a discussion of
 Charge/mass evaluation and mass the RFP Sponsor’s potential freedom to
spectrometry exploit
 Chromatography  Preferred business arrangements (licensing,
 Methods developed from biological joint development, supply etc…)
applications (electrophoresis, cytology,
immunology, etc.) RESPONDING TO THIS REQUEST
APPROACHES NOT OF INTEREST NON-CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE
The following approaches are not of interest: By submitting a Response you represent that the
Response does not and will not be deemed to contain
 Radioisotopic methods any confidential information of any kind whatsoever.
 Methods that are dangerous for humans in
Your Response should be an executive summary (about
a laboratory setting 3 pages). The Response should briefly describe the
 Methods requiring regulatory certification technical approach and provide information on
technology performance, background, and description of
ANTICIPATED PROJECT PHASES OR PROJECT PLAN the responding team and their related experience.
NineSigma’s client will select compelling By submitting a Response, you acknowledge that
proposals for preliminary direct discussions to NineSigma’s client reserves the sole and absolute right
further assess the technology and determine and discretion to select for award all, some, or none of
the Responses received for this announcement.
possible next steps including: NineSigma’s client also may choose to select only
specific tasks within a proposal for award. NineSigma's
Phase 1 – Proof of concept, feasibility testing, client has the sole and absolute discretion to determine
demonstration in responder’s own industry to be all award amounts.
followed by evaluation of client’s sample
Phase 2 – Development, adaptation to RFP RESPONSE EVALUATION
Sponsor’s materials NineSigma’s client will evaluate the Response using the
following criteria:
CRITERIA FOR MOVING FROM PHASE 1 TO PHASE 2  Overall scientific and technical merit of the
 Delivery of a detailed protocol with analyzed proposed approach
 Approach to proof of concept or performance
data
 Potential for proprietary position (i.e., is the
 Characterization of 50 g (maximum) of RFP technology novel or protectable)
Sponsor’s formula  Economic potential of concept
 Respondent’s capabilities and related experience
APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST  Realism of the proposed plan and cost estimates
Responses from companies, academic The client will contact respondents with highly
researchers, other research institutes, responsive proposals for next steps.
consultants, entrepreneurs, or inventors are
welcome.
Offices: Cleveland - USA, Tokyo - Japan, Leuven - Belgium www.ninesigma.com