Sutton 
Scientifics, Inc.
Scientifics, Inc.The Art and Science of Formulation
Current SSI Research Interests
With deep commitment to scientific advancement, SSI is constantly pursuing research aimed at fundamental invention and discovery. Although related work is often highly proprietary, we feel its important to offer clients, and potential partners, indication of related interests and directions.
Strategic Corporate Focus on Nano-Structured Trans-Dermal Delivery Systems
SSI has a long history of technical development in the field of topical delivery. In related work, we've recently developed a series of nano-structured materials promising to enable major breakthroughs in the field of controlled trans-dermal delivery. As a result, most of our scientific resources are now strategically focused in this area. While associated work is extremely proprietary, we are able to disclose related (although peripheral) interests in development of specific nano-technologies important in current, and future, topical applications.
Electrospun Micro and Nano-Porous Elastomers
Electrospinning is an extremely powerful technique enabling the conversion of many polymers (and other materials) into non-woven mats/films of nano-fibers. Essentially, a polymer solution is pumped through a fine needle charged to a high electrical potential. Strong electrical repulsion results in the ejection, and deposition, of extremely fine fibers onto an oppositely charged target. While many polymers are well suited to this process, electrospinning of nano-fibrillated elastomers has traditionally proven elusive. In recent work, SSI has taken up this challenge and developed an entirely novel method which, for the first time, enables the production of strong, coherent, films and mats comprised of highly elastomeric nano-fibers. Related materials (much like dense mats of an extremely elastic spider-web) promise to find application in topical delivery, wound protection, and implantable medical devices.
Nano-Porous Bacterial Cellulose
Remarkably, some bacterial species (such as Acetobacter Xylinum) secrete ultra-pure cellulosic nano- fibers during log growth. In broth, these fibers aggregate/surface to form a pellicle of nano-fibrous cellulose. Upon drying, resultant mats/films are very similar to polymer/ePTFE microstructures while being simply harvested from living culture! Such bacterial cellulose now finds application in the treatment of burns and other conditions. Nonetheless, growth rates associated with existing Xylinum strains are quite slow with poor overall cellulosic yield. Accordingly, we are working to overcome these difficulties. Through selection and mutation, we are developing faster growing and more productive strains. In addition, we are pursuing advanced bioreactor design, and nano-cellulose processing techniques, promising much improved yield/cost.
Interested in collaboration or partnership in associated efforts? Have a potential related application? We'd love to hear from you. Please contact Elizabeth Sutton to explore the possibilities today!
