Entrepreneur Miles Wrightannouned the launch of Xanofi, Inc., a company introducing a new platform for nanofiber production that promises drastic improvements in yields, price and functionality over current methods.

The company also introduced XanoShear, a unique and highly efficient method for commercial nanofiber production. Developed for seven years at North Carolina State

University, XanoShear creates polymeric fibers with shear force in liquids, an inherently simple and efficient design that also accepts a wide range of additives to create functionalized fibers (fibers that have coatings, additives or other enhancements).

Currently, most commercial nanofibers are created by electrospinning and meltblowing, two technologies that are mechanically harsh and require significant energy cost. XanoShear can reduce production energy costs by 75% and the overall cost of fiber production by 50%. Production yields from a single lab prototype machine is over 20 times greater than electrospinning, with research demonstrating possible increases over 100x.

In the spring of 2011, Xanofi will begin commercial production of fibers for clients and will seek ISO certification. “Our business model is to partner with companies that need nanotechnologies incorporated into their products but don’t want the distraction or capital expense of becoming nanofiber production companies themselves,” said CEO Mr. Wright. “By having a process that can produce very high yields of fibers, a wide range of polymers to address the various markets and multiple means of delivery, Xanofi will become an important and trusted supplier that makes enhanced products commercially viable.”