Conference Presentation Confirms Mutual Benefits of Malvern Instruments 'Open Innovation' Strategy
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Malvern, UK: A presentation by technology specialist Dr Richard Tweedie, given as part of the recent UK Formulation Showcase at NanoFormulation 2013 (18-21 June 2013, University of Manchester, UK), illustrated the mutual benefits of an ‘open innovation’ approach to product development. His talk focused on the ‘open innovation’ pathway adopted by Malvern Instruments in collaboration with The University of Leeds in the UK to develop the Aero S, one of the key sample dispersion systems for Malvern’s Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer.
The Aero S dry powder disperser was launched alongside the Mastersizer 3000 in September 2011 and immediately delivered new capabilities to laser diffraction users, extending dry powder dispersion to even the most fragile materials. The open sharing of information and expertise between Malvern Instruments and The University of Leeds accelerated the system’s development by bringing together academic and commercial understanding, know-how and engineering expertise. Not only did this ‘open innovation’ and collaborative working result in the delivery of a truly innovative product designed to solve real-world challenges, it offers a shining example of successful technology transfer that has benefitted all parties involved: Malvern went to market with a new product, the university team was able to publish results and increase academic understanding in a key are of interest, and the experience gained by the PhD student involved supported his rapid move into commercial employment.
Laser Diffraction systems, such as Malvern’s Mastersizer 3000, determine particle size distributions by measuring the intensity of scattered light as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. Effective and appropriate sample dispersion is the key to reliable particle size measurement. However, powder dispersion is a complex phenomenon, governed by a number of competing mechanisms. The Aero S was designed with reference to the most up to date dry powder dispersion theory and introduces a modular dispersion venturi system that allows the user to easily select the most appropriate dispersion mechanism for their samples.
“Redeveloping products when you are the industry leader can be challenging,” said Dr Tweedie. “Open innovation enabled the introduction of fresh viewpoints and new ideas, moving the whole technology to a new level. While the Aero S is the tangible result of this process, the intangible benefits came from the strong relationships formed between Malvern Instruments and The University of Leeds and, more importantly, the new science that it has stimulated”.
For more information the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer and full range of sample dispersion systems please visit http://www.malvern.com/MS3000
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.
Our products reflect Malvern’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.
Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com
For press information, please contact:
Trish Appleton, Kapler Communications
Phoenix House, Phoenix Park, Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, PE19
8EP, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1480 471059 Fax: +44 (0)1480 471069
trish.appleton@kapleronline.com
USA contact:
Marisa Fraser, Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581-1042 USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400 Fax: +1 508 768 6403
marisa.fraser@malvern.com
Please send sales enquiries to:
Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire
WR14 1XZ UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789
salesinfo@malvern.com
www.malvern.com
