Biomatrica announces strategic partnership agreement with In-Q-Tel

Biomatrica, Inc., a leader in room temperature biostability technology, today announced a strategic partnership agreement with In-Q-Tel (IQT). IQT is the independent, strategic investment firm that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the mission of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

Biomatrica has developed SampleMatrix® technology which has pioneered recent innovations in ambient storage of biological samples from purified DNA, RNA, and proteins as well as in complex systems such as tissue, cell lines, biopsies and whole blood. The company's products serve a wide range of customers such as those in the forensics, biomedical research (academic, government and industry), molecular diagnostics and biobanking. Biomatrica was recently recognized as a Finalist for the Most Innovative New Product Award (MIP) in the Life Science and Diagnostics category as conducted by San Diego's CONNECT.

"Biomatrica's technology capability is an important addition to our strategic investment portfolio," said Syd Ulvick, Vice President, Physical and Biological Technologies Practice at IQT. "The company's technology advances offer great promise for applications in both the government and commercial sector."

"As the needs of research and medicine to manage biological samples grow, increasing energy and environmental cost associated with cold storage of biological samples, it is critical for biobanks, research institutions and biotechnology companies to identify alternative storage solutions," said Judy Muller-Cohn, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Biomatrica. "The SampleMatrix technology allows for safe, long term preservation of biological samples at room temperature. Sample recovery is simple and sample integrity is assured."

SampleMatrix® is based on extremophile biology in which organisms are able to survive long-term in a state of anhydrobiosis (life without water) and later be revived by rehydration. Extremophiles such as tardigrades, also known as water bears, and brine shrimp are able protect their DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes and cellular systems in a dried state for extended periods of time. Biomatrica's technology mimics the natural molecular mechanisms used by these organisms. The technology works by forming a thermo-stable barrier during the drying process to protect samples from degradation during storage at room temperature.