Shrink Nanotechnologies files patent applications for CellAlign advanced tissue engineering technology

Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc. ("Shrink") (OTCBB:INKN), an innovative nanotechnology company developing products and licensing opportunities in the solar energy production, medical diagnostics and sensors and biotechnology research and development tools businesses, announced today that certain patent applications related to its advanced tissue engineering technology platform, CellAlign™, have been filed.

“Tissue Engineering, Cell Therapy and Transplantation: Products, Technologies & Market Opportunities, Worldwide, 2009-2018.”

CellAlign's key feature is a micro-fabricated substrate with non-periodic (or random) linear patterned grooves that allow for the alignment of cells along a single axis. The unique design is ideal for growing biological tissues from stem cells, especially those that naturally grow in a linear fashion such as in cardiac and nerve tissues.

"CellAlign has the potential to grow sheets of living tissues that may one day act as 'band-aids' to patch and repair, and possibly regenerate, damaged or diseased organs," said Mark L. Baum, president of Shrink Nanotechnologies, Inc. "Clinical practices and medical specialties are increasingly turning to cellular-based therapies to solve some of the world's most perplexing health maladies. As our intellectual property position improved with CellAlign, future licensing potential represents a significant market opportunity for Shrink."

In the United States, tissue engineering and cell therapy comprised a $6.9 billion market for regenerative products in 2009, and is expected to approach $32 Billion by 2018, according to the 2010 MedMarket Diligence's Report, "Tissue Engineering, Cell Therapy and Transplantation: Products, Technologies & Market Opportunities, Worldwide, 2009-2018." The report says the market for cellular therapies may benefit many disorders, including degenerative and traumatic orthopedic and spine injuries, cardiac and vascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and tooth decay.