RED BANK, N.J.,
Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Patent Office has
awarded patent no. 8,433,417 to Newcyte Inc. for a carbon
nanostructure artificial retinal implant. Newcyte was purchased in
2009 by Natcore Technology Inc. (NXT.V; NTCXF.PK; 8NT).
"There are several other patents for artificial retinas," says
Dr. Dennis Flood, Natcore's Chief
Technology Officer and the inventor of the device. "But all of them
have limitations. Some require the patient to have sight. Some
restore only limited acuity, or the ability to detect motion or to
distinguish between light and dark. Some are bulky and/or require
prosthesis. Ours is a self-powered implant that doesn't require a
camera, a transmitter, or any other external device. It would work
as long as the patient's nerves are alive and only the rods and
cones are affected. And it has the potential to be wavelength
selective, so that color vision could be reintroduced to people
whose only prospect now is a cloudy black-and-white."
The need for this artificial retina is substantial. According to
the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), an estimated 15
million Americans have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). ASRS
also says that retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease, affects one
in 4000 Americans. Natcore believes that both of these disorders
could be corrected with its artificial retina.
The Natcore retina comprises an array of carbon nanotubes, grown
vertically on a substrate. The nanotubes are coated with a
semiconducting material, in effect wrapping a solar cell around
them, with the tips of the nanotubes exposed and arranged to extend
into the ganglion nerves. When light enters the eye and is focused
by the lens onto the artificial retina, a voltage buildup causes
the nerves to fire, acting like a synapse and sending a signal to
the brain. The coated carbon nanotubes act like rods or cones, the
eyes' photoreceptors that convert light into signals that can
stimulate biological processes.
The Natcore device would be surgically implanted. It would be a
flat round disc with a diameter of approximately 4mm, roughly the
size of a pencil eraser.
Dr. Flood has 33 years' experience in developing solar cell and
array technology for both space and terrestrial applications at the
NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where he served as Chief of the
Photovoltaic and Space Environments Branch. He was moved to invent
this artificial retina when his wife lost the macula of her left
eye at a relatively early age due to a form of wet macular
degeneration. His invention uses some of the same carbon
nanotube technology already owned by Natcore.
"Given our recent advances with black silicon, the selective
emitter and the flexible solar cell, we have an embarrassment of
riches," says Chuck Provini,
Natcore's president and CEO. "The path to commercialization for
those three applications is now a relatively short one, while our
artificial retina will require much more time. Because of its huge
potential and the immediate need for it, we'll probably look for a
joint venture partner, a licensee, or an outright buyer to take it
to market."
Newcyte was founded by Dr. Flood and Prof. Andrew Barron, two of Natcore's co-founders.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
factual information, including statements relating to revenues or
profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected
sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks
inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact:
Chuck Provini
732-576-8800
Info@natcoresolar.com
www.natcoresolar.com
SOURCE Natcore Technology