Nanotechnology instrument manufacturer Izon Science will host the Inter-University Nanotechnology Measurement Championships in Cambridge, Massachusetts tomorrow. Contestants from Harvard University, MIT, Boston University and the University of Massachusetts will race each other to accurately measure a complex set of nanoparticles in real time to decide a winner.

Hans van der Voorn, Executive Chairman of Izon Science says, "The nanotech champs is a fun combination of sport and science that will pitch the top Universities against each other. The researcher who is the quickest to accurately measure a complex set of nanoparticles will receive a cup and associated bragging rights. This measurement could not have even been done two years ago so the ability to have a race demonstrates the rapid adoption of new technology in science."

The university researchers taking part in the nanotechnology measurement championships represent a broad range of research disciplines with particle characterization being the common theme. The contestants vying for the honor of first Nanotechnology Measurement Champion are:

• Dr. Jim Felton, from the laboratory of Professors Bruce and Barbara Furie, Harvard University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Felton is using Izon's instrument for studying the role that blood microparticles may have in the formation of blood clots or "thrombi". The Furie group is a world leader in hematology research, focused on advancing diagnosis and treatment of bleeding and thrombotic disorders.

• Iraj Aalaei, a graduate student from the laboratory of Prof. Dhimiter Bello, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing. The group is using Izon's instruments in nanotoxicology research with interest in the biological significance of exposure, exposure routes, measurement issues and metrics, the relationship between the physical properties of nanoparticles with health outcomes.

• Dr. Meredith Mintzer, a Postdoctoral Fellow from the laboratory of Prof. Mark Grinstaff, Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering. Dr Mintzer is using Izon's instruments in research into drug delivery systems. The Grinstaff group pursues highly interdisciplinary research in the areas of biomedical engineering and macromolecular chemistry with the goal of elucidating the underlying fundamental chemistry and engineering principles of drug delivery systems.

• Dr. Steven Biller, a Postdoctoral Associate from the laboratory of Prof. Penny Chisholm, MIT, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Marine biologist Dr. Biller is currently researching marine cyanobaterium Prochlorococcus, the smallest and most abundant photosynthetic organism on the planet. While each Prochlorococcus cell is less than 1µm in diameter, the total oceanic population is responsible for a significant fraction of global oxygen production.

Izon Science is the developer of the qNano and qViro instruments with unique size-tunable nanopores. The instruments offer significant improvements in accuracy and precision over previously available techniques and are helping to advance research in a number of fields including drug delivery, hematology, biomedical diagnostics, and vaccine development. Instruments have been sold in 23 countries.

The Inter-University Nanoparticle Measurement Championships will be held on September 21st, 2011 from 5.30-8.00pm at Izon Science's office and laboratory at One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA. For more information see http://www.izon.com

About Izon Science:

Izon Science has developed the world's first nanopore based measurement system available for general use. Izon's instruments are used for precise measurement and analysis of individual particles across a wide range of scientific fields including bionanotechnology, nanomedicine, vaccinology, microbiology, biomedical research, environmental science, and particle based nanoscience. Izon originated in New Zealand and now sells its products in 23 countries. It has its European headquarters in Oxford, UK and US headquarters in Cambridge, MA.