nanotechnology experts how small we can go, and it is sub-nano,” Sharts says.
The company says carbon-fluorine spectroscopy represents a major advance over conventional spectroscopy (specifically Raman spectroscopy) in three ways: It provides highly specific, ultra-sensitive, and ultra-fast measurement and characterization of carbon-fluorine containing molecules; it reveals information about the composition, structure, and impurities of the sample; and the spectroscopic analysis itself does not affect the sample. In fact, Sharts says the system requires no sample preparation and can detect the carbon-fluorine bond signature of a sample in any media, and in glass vials, flow cells, clear plastic containers, polymer films and other transparent packaging.
This means the company’s proprietary Pulsed Laser Isochronic Raman and Fluoresence Apparatus (PLIRFA) could be used to analyze prescription drugs in pill bottles, blister packs and other types of packaging without opening the package or breaking the seals. The company says the high-throughput screening capability of its PLIRFA systems means it also can be easily deployed in research laboratories or production plants.
So what’s the business plan?
Richard Kuntz, Fluorotronics’ chief operating officer, says the company plans to make its own equipment and license its technologies to other companies, which would manufacture and sell machines for use in certain industries. “We also will provide field maintenance, repair, and inventory at our manufacturing and operations center in Vista, California,” Kuntz says. Fluorotronics will operate as both a licensing and holding company, and as a contract research organization that provides certain kinds of analytical services.
“Our device is non-invasive and non-radioactive, but it still requires a trained technician to operate,” Sharts says.
Fluorotronics, which now has about 35 employees and consultants, is making its fifth-generation prototype, which is expected to be the design the company uses when it also enters production. Fluorotronics intends to manufacture a fixed-station model, which will be about the size of a desktop computer, as well as a portable unit that can be checked on commercial passenger jets, Kuntz says. The company, which has been self-funded so far, is looking for a small equity investment to continue development.
“If everything goes as planned,” Sharts adds, “there will be a lot of jobs created in San Diego.”
