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In 2001, Dow Corning and Genencor International, Inc. formed an alliance to
develop revolutionary products and take the leadership position in a new field.
This alliance combines Dow Corning’s silicon chemistry expertise with
Genencor’s protein knowledge to create an innovative Silicon Biotechnology™
platform.
Linking the diverse disciplines of biotechnology and silicon science opens a
world of opportunity for innovations in areas such as:
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Personal and health care
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Cleaning products
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Optical switches
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Fabric care
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Bio-based sensors
Through the merging of these two sciences, Silicon Biotechnology™ will
enhance the lives of people around the world. Together, Dow Corning and
Genencor have already filed patent applications in the areas of:
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Biotransformations (creating new bio-silicon materials or processes)
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Delivery systems (the combination of silicon and biological materials to
deliver active ingredients)
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Nanoscale systems (biosensing devices and performance materials)
Biosensors
The alliance announced its first business venture in the specific area of
biosensors that can be used for:
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In-home medical tests
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Drug detection
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Veterinary diagnostics
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Analysis of biological warfare threats
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Monitoring of air, water, and food
Applications
In addition to biosensors, potential applications include using the thermal
and mechanical strengths of silicon to create devices that focus on specific
body tissues or the continued delivery of a drug to a particular area. Also,
Silicon Biotechnology™ can be used to create adhesives that stick solely to the
skin but not hair. The advanced materials may be used to develop new
biochip-based devices with acute recognition and superior signal transduction
capability. Other products may incorporate technical advances in electronic
switching and photonics, as well as enzymatic nanofabrication of inorganic
materials.
Learn more about some of Dow Corning’s other new technology ventures,
including:
Silicon Biotechnology™ is a trademark of Dow Corning Corporation and
Genencor International, Inc.
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