Thursday 31 March 2016

Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Products Trace Food & Pharmaceutical Safety

Anti-counterfeit packaging technologies are pushing hard to lay down food and drugs quality and safety traceability systems. 


We often act as a trusting eater! When a server introduces the dish we think it is what the menu claims. What we forget here is labels can also lie. Thus, when it rounds up to it, customers can easily identify the difference a fresh catch and the flaky one lying next. Whether buyers like the fact or not food fraud does exist. On the other hand, counterfeit of prescription pharmaceutical are an ever growing trend. Research analyst at Allied Market Research (AMR) analyzing the business environment of global anti-counterfeit packaging market say it is a risk on public health.  AMR that has long been capturing data on market growth, share and size, trends, drivers, opportunities and demand emphasize that counterfeiting of pharmaceutical drugs are a serious concern to privates enterprises, public health officials and customers. 

Counterfeiting of Food & Pharmaceutical Impact Business Performance


Counterfeit products compound to health issues. It hits hard on both the business and customers. In many instance it has been held responsible to complicate certain project execution for government bodies. Thus, presence of such fake food products and drugs is not only an annoyance but results in huge economic losses.

As per the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sales of adulterated and copied products into India had caused economic losses of about $11.9 bn in 2012. Some of the many consumer industries that were affected by counterfeiters in the country include alcohol and food sector. Moreover, over 75 percent of the fake products sold in Vietnam originated from countries like China. Most cases involve counterfeit tobacco products and food and beverage. 

Channel NewsAsia, in February reported that cops in Thailand had confiscated more than 270 fake whiskey bottles. The channel also introduced to the world how cops across Europe had seized 20 tonnes of adulterated spices and 80,000 fake biscuits. 

Technology Advancements to Fight Counterfeit Products 


Nano Brick Co., provider of anti-counterfeit packaging solutions based in South Korea, shot to fame in March 2016 for backing an order to deliver M-Tags to Maotai. Reputed liquor producer in China, Maotai is determined to wage war against the makers of adulterated Maotai. Another company name Romaco Group is ready to introduce to the worlds its Noack blister series which is equipped with an in-built anti-counterfeiting packaging system used for packaging – at CIPM 2016. Zhejiang Evoture Net Technology Co Ltd was highly praised for introducing tracking system to ensure food safety in China. Commenting on their recent discovery Zheng Xinli, chairman of the company said "We gather information about how products are produced, circulated and consumed ...strengthening food quality management and risk control."

Eyeing the increasing demand in this sector Allied Market Research has published a report titled “World Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market - Food and Pharmaceuticals - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2012 – 2020.” This exclusive study on the global anti-counterfeit packaging market, outlines that industry will register a CAGR of 13. 9% by 2020. Researchers add the sector is estimated at $142.7 billion by the same year. Stakeholders seeking relevant statistics on adoption rate, drivers, prominent vendors, opportunities, challenges, trends and market share and size would find the report beneficial.

Diabetic Patients to Check Glucose Levels on CGM Synced with Apple Watch

Dexcom G5 system will support the Apple watch and caregivers will be able to track glucose data using a synchronization of watch with iPhone.

A continuous glucose monitoring system monitors blood glucose levels in real-time. It provides information about glucose levels at the interval of 5 minutes. A glucose sensor consists of a tiny electrode with transmitter that is inserted under the skin. The transmitter sends the information regarding glucose levels to monitoring or display device through wireless radio frequencies. Technological developments have propelled growth in continuous glucose monitoring system market. It enables users to receive alerts before the glucose levels reach specified limits. CGM devices are also used with blood glucose meters for better monitoring and treatment. 

Benefits of CGM Device:
  • It provides a better view of glucose trends than conventional blood glucose meters.
  • Notifications and alerts about rise and decrease in glucose levels are provided in advance. 
  • Its 24x7 monitoring facility gives information of glucose levels even when users are sleeping.
  • It provides insights on how physical activities, exercise, illness, and medication affects diabetic conditions. 
  • CGM devices are used by both, diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2 patients.
Dexcom G5® to support the Apple watch:
Dexcom Inc., a leading manufacturer of continuous glucose monitoring systems announced that its Dexcom G5® system will support the Apple watch. This feature will enable diabetic patients to track level of glucose using an app. Users as well as caregivers will be able to track glucose data using a synchronization of watch with iPhone. G5 app allows users to share data with others with their permission by integrating with a health app in iPhone.

Kevin Sayer, Chief Executive Officer of Dexcom, said, "The Dexcom G5 Mobile interface with Apple Watch and the new Today view widget allows us to continue to enhance options and product offerings that include even more useful features for people with diabetes. These features were driven by feedback from G5 Mobile users, and showcase our commitment to continuously improve the user experience, making CGM more flexible than ever before for people with diabetes to manage their condition."

Dexcom’s new feature, Today View, supports G5 app in iPhone that allows users to check glucose data without opening an app. It also shows data when device is locked. Dexcom’s G5 mobile CGM system is approved by FDA for children and adults. It has a simplified mobile interface to allow users to have easy viewing experience and better assessment of glucose levels. It would also have a significant impact on Europe CGM system Market.

GlySens received $12 million in Series C funding
GlySens, a startup in CGM system market from San Diego announced that it received $12 million in Series C funding. The startup will use this funding to complete the development of its implantable continuous glucose monitoring system. This device is made up of two parts: a sensor implanted subcutaneously and a monitoring device to show glucose levels in bloodstream of diabetic. Investors believe that GlySens’ approach would streamline the footprint of healthcare for patients struggling with diabetes along with saving their money and time. Demand for CGM devices is growing as it provides a thorough information of blood sugar levels.

“The proceeds from this investment will enable us to address final product development tasks and bring the GlySens ICGM system to an advanced state of commercial readiness on the path to market introduction,” said GlySens President and CEO Joseph Lucisano. “As we conduct the upcoming human clinical trial involving our second generation receiver and fully implantable continuous glucose sensor, this additional funding will enable us to address the remaining elements needed to bring all aspects of the ICGM system to a fully commercial configuration.”

Analysts studying the CGM systems industry have revealed comprehensive information about changing market trends in research reports. Recently, Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “Europe Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2021.” As per the report, the Europe continuous glucose monitoring systems market is expected to register a CAGR of 38% from 2015 to 2021 and would reach $351.7 million by 2021. The report provides an extensive analysis of current market status, drivers & challenges, opportunities, competitive intelligence, and detailed segmentation. Furthermore, the research highlights SWOT analysis of leading manufacturers, recent developments, and value chain analysis.

Genomic Sequencing Augments Advanced Ingredients to LAMEA Oncology Drug Market

Personalized gene-sequencing popularizes for narrowed identification of drugs targeted at mutating cancer cells. Immuno-oncology snakes in too.

Contemporary oncology drugs market has extensively evolved over the recent times aided by a series of successful clinical trials. Generalized medicine suffers a setback in this specific segment accounting to dynamic mutation in cancerous cells. Among various therapeutic modalities, chemotherapy has so far been the most commonly practiced, yet shall suffer the same fate. Two basic reasons – experts reaching out non-toxifying methods and due patent expiration of predominantly popular drugs. In such an environment other modalities, such as immuno-  and targeted therapy, rise in demand preference, and hence, market shares.

Trends on trial
We have come a long way with discussions on reducing failure rates of conventional therapies plus eliminating residual toxins left in host bodies. Researchers reap initial success during clinical trials with target-drugs as diverse as the tumor types. Having realized that same medicines could not be used for similar mutations given the varied structure of host bodies, personal genomics gains importance. Considering individual genetics, experts recommend RNA sequencing for accurate identification of case-specific requirements. Moreover, it holds potential of predictive diagnosis for patients at high risks of oncological complications. Talking about targeting abnormal cells, experts have successfully revised the incurable case of KRAs in lung cancer during primitive research.

Parallel research in fields of using the human cells against the diseased ones bore fruitful results in recent past. Broadly, immuno- and hormonal therapy exhibit positive signs when brought into mainstream therapeutics. While the prior involves reinjecting modified immune cells into their system to naturally ‘recognize and fight’ cancer cells, the latter consequentially manipulates hormone secretion after interpreting gene expression and detecting anomalies. Relevant compounds show exponential growth in the upcoming decade for oncology drugs market.

LAMEA oncology drugs environment
Challenging the LAMEA market are high costs of advanced treatments that keep diseased population deprived of relevant services. Government health policies in this regions, thus, have a major play in the oncological drug development and bringing it to these markets. When put up against the healthcare facilities at a global scale, public expectations rise in regard to optimum health services. The rise in incidences of cancer, unfortunately grew at par with the per capita income of the resident population. Among the diverse types, lung cancer and breast cancer registered an all-time high rate of incidence.

Corporate players on the other hand are aware of the conventional drugs that shall suffer due patent-expiry in recent times. The market prepares itself with increased research and development activities in drug compounds that promise survival through trial procedures in the long run. Besides, incoming throughputs from researchers around the world. It is crucial to realize importance of inter connected development through well collaborated strategies. 

Analysts speak
Predictions source in from expert analysts for the LAMEA oncology drugs market to grow steadily till 2021. Rise in disposable income of the population in these regions will change the way people opt for anti-cancer therapies. Demand shall grow for advance therapies, much to experts as well as patient’s relief. Market inclinations have grown strongly for the biological therapeutic drugs, it being the fastest growing segment over the current decade in the region. Considering regional demographics Brazil leads the market in growth. 

As estimated in a report published by Allied Market Research “LAMEA Oncology/Anti-cancer drugs Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 – 2021”, the market shall experience a stable CAGR of 8.6%. Accordingly, the market size is expected to reach net evaluation of $17,072.2 million by 2021. The report is an extensive analysis of current market structure and its pipeline verticals. It holds quantitative data to support the predicted drivers of market growth, prospective investment pockets and threats posed to the same. Corporate profiling of key regional players gives an insight to prevalent business activities and help stakeholders formulate their strategies. 

Approaches in Small Animal Imaging Improves Treatment Accuracy

There has been a rapid growth in small animal imaging (SAI) facilities worldwide. These centers are established to provide non-invasive, high resolution, cost –effective and state –of –the –art both ex –vivo and in –vivo imaging support. SAI is used mainly by the pharma companies and research institutes aiming at studying different disease models. Industry definitely has a promising future, as confirmed by a study conducted by Allied Market Research, which indicates the market is likely to generate $ 2.1 billion during the forecast period 2013 to 2020. The most important challenge faced by the SAI equipment makers is to lower the cost to encourage broader adoption rate.

Perspective & Current Technologies
Developments in biomedical sciences have improved owing to the introduction of several innovative imaging technologies over the past 5 to 6 years. In addition, animal models that are being widely used coupled with pre-clinical sciences; searching ways to carry out animal experiments efficiently is a major factor ensuring both success as well as timeliness of a research. On the other hand non-invasive technologies has proved to be a highly valuable way for conducting such experiments and have increased the recent demand in small animal imaging. This review is narrowed down up on 3 modalities. These include optical imaging, PET and PET and they are made available for scientists who intend to carry out oncological investigations.




Popular Applications of In Vivo Imaging
In vivo or non-invasive optical imaging is particularly beneficial for the research of neurodegenerative diseases. Conventional methods have been long used to get a complete reliance when it comes to accessing brain tissue. This for the major part is the only post-mortem. However, in vivo optical imaging allows the extensive study of tissues that are within contextual influences of the animal. Apart from this the technique contributes generously in lowering the number of animal used in experiments and developments of drug. A recent study shows that owing to its veracity as well as sensitivity, in vivo can now be used effectively for inspecting tumour dynamic morphology. Besides this, non –invasive imaging now uses bioluminescence as an effective tool to probe into graft Vs host disease.

 Competitive Landscape

PerkinElmer Inc. (PKI) is a well know company in the sector. News published in the Cwruobserver the company whose research portfolio consists of instrumentation for in vivo imaging among other is expected to generate about $532.10M by end of 2016. Researchers at the famous Duke University have created genetically modified zebrafish.  Research analysts at Allied Market Research are confident that this would definitely hold answers for questions on tissues regeneration. Researchers at the university say that their findings would provide a platform for both quantitative and large –scale small animal imaging of regenerating skin. Commenting on their discovery James B. Duke and Kenneth D. Poss said  "Before we can fully understand tissue regeneration, we need to be able to monitor what individual cells are doing,". They further added "This is a cutting-edge way to visualize hundreds or thousands of cells at once in a regenerating tissue.
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In another development, one of its kind transformable PET systems was considered feasible. The system is capable of imaging during as well as after the irradiation. What is most commendable is that this miniature OpenPET system is build by a team of disctinguished researchers from the reputed National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) located in Chiba, Japan. The team is led by Taiga Yamaya. Hideaki Tashima the first author said "It is hard to satisfy all imaging requirements at the same time with one mode," said first author Hideaki Tashima. He explained "Therefore the transform system works well – we can minimize the sensitivity loss in practical use by switching between the two modes." The dual-mode scanner also saves space and is more economical than two separate PET systems. These two modes are the open mode and closed mode.


AMR’s market research report titled “World SmallAnimal Imaging (In-Vivo) Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 – 2020” takes a closer look at the key drivers, restraints and opportunities that are influencing market growth. Research analysts conducting the study see greater opportunities in the Asia –Pacific region. As per the report this region is expected to register a CAGR of about 11.5 percent by 2020. 

Tuesday 29 March 2016

Synthetic Biology to Bring an Evolutionary Change in Science and Design

Various projects, such as Algaculture and Genetic Trace are using synthetic biology to bring an evolutionary change in science and design.
Synthetic biology is an area of research that combines multiple disciplines, such as biotechnology, molecular biology, biophysics, genetic engineering, and others. Technological advancements have enabled more thorough study of bacteria, tissues, and genetic modification. It also allows to morph mortal materials into objects. The creation of wide range of synthetic material and living specimen is possible with an emergence of synthetic biology. There are various projects that are using synthetic biology to bring an evolutionary change in science and design. 

Projects That Are Using Synthetic Biology

Algaculture by Michael Burton & Michiko Nitta 
In this project, algae are used to supplement human functions by gaining energy from light. It allows human to be semi-photosynthetic. So humans will be half plant and half humans. 

All That I Am by Koby Barhad 
In this project, information is obtained from a sample of hair of Elvis Presley and mice are tailored with his genetic characteristics.

Grow Your Own Cheese by Agapakis & Tolaas 
In this project, human bacteria are used to make cheese that reflects microbial landscape of an individual. This project is about making food using human products. 

Body Modification for Love by Michiko Nitta 
In this project, body parts of other humans are grown genetically upon the skin of a human. This project may introduce a whole new way of tattooing.

Genetic Trace by Susana Soares
In this project, cilia cells in the fingernails are modified for collection of genetic information to aid in social communication. 

Role of Synthetic Biology in Fastening Up Development of Novel Vaccines

Synthetic biology researchers from Oxford University have invented a new technique to fasten the development of novel vaccines. Many vaccines are developed on the basis of virus-like particles, which resemble viruses but do not contain pathogenic genetic material that causes diseases. These particles protect immune system from an exposure to pathogens. 
Karl Brune, leading the work in Professor Mark Howarth's lab in Oxford's Department of Biochemistry said, “Current techniques to develop VLP-based vaccines take time and do not always work. Whilst getting the pathogen parts to stick to the carrier VLP, often problems such as misassembly or misfolding arise that make the vaccine ineffective at generating protective immunity.”

High development costs and huge amount of time are invested in development of vaccines against malaria, cancer, or HIV. Karl Brune’s work is able to overcome this hurdle by using the lab's 'bacterial superglue' in vaccine assembly. This glue is made of two parts, SpyCatcher, a larger protein and SpyTag, a smaller protein part. The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes are used to engineer both of these parts. An unbreakable bond is formed when these two parts meet. The team researchers have succeeded in biologically encoding SpyCatcher on VLPs, which fastens the process to glue these two proteins parts. Scientists and engineers are able to glue SpyCatcher and SpyTag easily to speed up the process of developing new vaccines.

Karl Brune added, “We tested the SpyCatcher-VLP – SpyTag-antigen combination using a range of malarial and cancer-relevant antigens. This showed that linking can be done simply and quickly to produce stable vaccines that generated robust antibody responses. We need to do more research, both to see if we can use Tag/Catcher fusion with other diseases and to test effectiveness in live rather than lab conditions.”

Synthetic Biology-Based Genetic Switch
Oxitec, a British company has added a genetic switch to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using synthetic biology-based genetic engineering techniques. It is the species of mosquitoes that causes dengue and Zika. The switch remains off till the mosquitoes feed the antibiotic tetracycline. Once the drug is removed, the switch is activated to prevent genes from working, and mosquito are killed eventually. Wild mosquito populations are controlled using this technique.

The Oxitec mosquitoes’ offspring inherits this genetic kill switch. They release modified male mosquitoes. After the release, they mate with wild females and pass on this trait before dying. This technique ensures that the next generation of wild mosquitoes that are starved with tetracycline should die before reaching maturity.

Analysts studying the synthetic biology industry have revealed comprehensive information about changing market trends in research reports. Recently, Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “World Synthetic Biology Market - Opportunities and Forecast, 2014 - 2020.” As per the report, the world synthetic biology market generated a revenue of $5,245.7 million in 2015 and is expected to register a CAGR of 23% from 2015 to 2020. The report offers an extensive analysis of drivers & opportunities, competitive intelligence, and detailed segmentation. Moreover, the research outlines SWOT analysis of key manufacturers, value chain analysis, and recent developments.

Ethics & Transparency Becomes Hallmark for IVF Services Worldwide

Infertility is interpreted as a disease that occurs due to an abnormal functioning of either female or a reproductive system. According to National Survey of Family, Growth CDC for 2006 to 2010 1 in 8 couples reported having problems conceiving. Survey by Center of Disease Control shows that the percentage of married infertile females in the age group 15 to 44 is about 6 percent. Furthermore, the study highlights that females in the age group 15 – 44 who never used any infertility services is approximately 7.4 million.

Infertility; A Growing Problem
Over the past few decades’ industry experts have been alarming us against population explosion. However, now it seems as if the tables have turned in many regions including Europe. True, the population growth in the region has come to halt. 1 in 6 couples in the region faces difficulty conceiving. Thus, the count of couples seeking medical assistance has increased dramatically. Several studies reveal that male factors now account for over 30 percent of the fertility issues. This is somewhat equivalent as female factors. Moreover, the rest 40 percent of infertility cases are due to the blend of both, or probably something that has not been identified so far – an unexplained infertility problem. Apart from this, the sperm counts in British male have dramatically dropped by half over the past 60 years. Research analysts at Allied Market Research blame this drop on sudden rise in environmental chemicals. These toxins have weakened oestrogen influence like DDT. 

 

IVF Services Answers Fertility Problems in Developing Countries
For millions of married couples across the globe, inability to conceive is definitely a personal tragedy. There are over 185 million couples in developing nations alone who encounter such problems. The infertility differs considerably from one country to another. In worst affected areas, more than 20 percent of couples are incapable of having children. On the other hand, the infertility problem in these nations is mainly due to the damage caused by infections in the reproductive tract such as gonorrhea as well as chlamydial infection.

Status of IVF Services in Different Regions
Countries in Asia Pacific region such as India have a huge – stigma associated with childlessness. Those couples who can avail medical assistance are more than willing to travel great lengths to get treatment for infertility. Anjali Widge a professional at the famous Population Council, in New Delhi revealed that there were close to 60 ART centers in the country by 1999.  All of these centers were in private sector.

Besides this, many countries located in the Middle East have given a nod to artificial insemination by using husband’s sperm. But, the technique that considers gametes from outside a married couple is not used. Another challenge that has delayed the establishment of IVF services was mainly their cost. Many of the centers are located in the private sectors and the cost of the treatment is relatively high considering the average income of a patient.

The idea of artificial insemination, gamete donation as well as IVF services are accepted in the Sub – Saharan Africa. First baby as a result of in vitro fertilization was born in West Africa. The baby was delivered in 1989 at the famous Lagos University Teaching Hospital. By the end of 2001, the region saw over 8 assisted conception centers conducting IVF services in Africa. Soon numerous centers providing artificial insemination opened up in the region.


Eyeing the major developments in the sector Allied Market Research has published a market research report titled “World In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Services Market - Opportunities andForecasts, 2014 – 2021.” As per the report the industry is estimated to generate a revenue of 11.3 billion by 2021. Research analysts conducting the study further reveal that market would register a CAGR of 10.8 percent between 2015 to 2021. There are clear indications that demand for IVF services in Asia – Pacific are on the rise. Industry is ready to grow at CAGR 13.3 percent in Asia -Pacific by 2021. Additionally, sector in North America is likely to garner a revenue of about $3.6 billion by the same year. Stakeholders looking for relevant data on the major market drivers, opportunities, region -wise performance and adoption rate would find the report worth their time and investment. 

Monday 28 March 2016

Crude Oil Prices Dip; Specialty Chemicals Gathers Market Shares

Global businesses are still reeling from the plunge in crude oil prices at the onset of 2016. In the light of specialty chemicals market and dependent verticals, this eventually turned tables in its favor. The raw material prices skyrocketed for the commodity chemicals segment, while a slowdown in oil and gas rigs indicated lower prices for oilfield chemicals. On the other hand, market players now shift their focus towards specialty chemicals expecting extended market shares by reducing margins, being the value-addition segment it is for diverse verticals.


Any mention of specialty chemicals might draw a broad picture of industrial applications with extremely complex compounds. A true milieu of the demand segments, however, scales over lesser complex chemicals that are basic to most products put to daily use. These chemicals may be base compounds or specified formulations. User-specific formulations are produced using batch processing methods, depending on their performance or function. Concentration lies upon producing stable chemical complexes that are explicitly typical to their application segment.

Based upon the end consumption market, specialty chemicals can be classified under construction, housing, automotive, and industrial segments. Concrete additives and asphalt modifiers in construction; architectural, coal and wood coatings, chemicals, and advanced materials in housing; motor oil, adhesives, sealants, and lithium-based products in automotive; while, demulsifiers and corrosion inhibitors are required in oilfields.

A simple market overview in itself is evidentiary of the constant dips and hikes in Specialty Chemicals Market segment. Despite all the possibilities, investment interests from new entrants seem undeterred over the time. This positive outlook of the stakeholders, casts incremental influence on the growth projections for the market in the upcoming years. In order to maintain stable growth, industry majors need to outline certain business strategies with context to the current market structure.

The inability of the manufacturers in dynamically adjusting their prices, along with the fluctuations in cost of raw materials and pipeline products, is one major issue that needs attention. Talking along similar lines, companies need to refrain from exchanging goods as commodities, and set differential pricing structure both for upstream complexes and downstream products. Eventually, this shall simplify the pricing structure and help extract greater profit margins in the cyclical industry. Emerging competition from e-vendors is shaping consumer’s expectation and buying tendency differently. In order to keep up with the upcoming consumption trends, the existing players are obliged to work on their sales strategies inclusive of innovative options to choose from, competitive pricing, and optimized availability as per purchase requirements.


Opportunity pockets are showing up in emerging regional markets across the globe. Investors need to pay close attention to regional market and manufacturing activities. Offshore investments for major players to expand their operations should be accountable of labor as well as manufacturing costs. Added to that, there are other inhibitors such as governmental and organizational regulations. Much is
expected out of the upcoming SOCMA’s 9th Annual Washington Fly-In, during April 11 – 12, 2016 which might hold promising regulatory concepts for its participating members. Overall, the industry is expecting enough accommodation for global expansion and investment pockets in specialty chemicals in the latter half of this decade. Allied Market Research has added a report titled World Specialty Chemicals Market - Opportunities andForecast, 2014 – 2020” predicting Asia-Pacific as the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. The report holds quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global market structure, key drivers as well as restraints, major participants, their financial strategies and ratios, plus market analysis by geographies for the sake of corporate reference.

Monday 21 March 2016

Adoption of Bio-based solvents meet new carbon emission standards

Solvent usage forms a range of functions across industries: they are used to make adhesives, paints and coatings, used a component of inks and printing, serve numerous function in semiconductor manufacturing, metal cleaning and pharmaceutical industry. During the past few years, the usage of conventional petroleum-based solvents has been increasingly restricted due to their toxic environmental effect. Their usage have been greatly discouraged, primarily owing to constant regulatory pressures on the harmful effect of volatile organic compounds (VOC) used in the making of these conventional solvents. Various industrial and commercial applications have lately come to rely on different environmentally safe substitutes–bio-based solvents–that leaves no residue and successively reduce handling and operating costs over time.

Extensive Upgrades Makes Automotive Refinish Coating A $11.3 billion Industry

Automotive refinish coating market is at its all-time peak in 2016! World’s largest chemical manufacturers like BASF, Sherwin Williams, 3M Co. and Matrix System Automotive Finishes among other are focusing on increasing their expertise to remain competitive in the coatings industry. Car color! It’s always the first thing a buyer notices. Furthermore, end – users such as body shops and vehicle repair shops are counting heavily on finest coating for commercial fleet, automotive specialty and collision repair industry.  A popular name in the coating industry AKZONOBEL (N.L.)   had garnered $ 17.746 billion in 2014. Second in the row PPG Industries (U.S) generated a stood proud at $ 15.44 billion in 2014. Recent study by Allied Market Research, which analyses factors like industry share and size, trends, opportunities, growth, drivers etc., reveals the sector would research $11.3 billion for the period 2014 – 2021.

From trend color to color trend see what keeps BASF competitive in the ‘Automotive OEM Coatings’


Global Packaging Industry Bets On Bio- plastics Sector

Consumer preference for improved product performance has contributed to the significant growth of bio plastics worldwide.  Furthermore, demand for sustainable materials & price consistency with petroleum – based plastics have resulted in the increased share and size, value and growth of the industry. Study by Allied Market Research (AMR) on trends shows the sector stood at a proud 4,869.2 kilo tons in 2014. AMR’s analysis clearly indicates that requirements for such plastics have shifted from past; initial phase of launch & are now witnessing strong surge in demand in virtually every regions. US bioplastics market is expected to grow over 25 % annually by 2016, as per many industry experts. 

Watch Prof. Hans-Josef Endres speak about the opportunities in the bio plastics in years  to come . 

Thursday 17 March 2016

Continual Design Improvements Would Lead To High-Performing Industrial Glove

Industrial gloves have emerged as a common personal protective equipment used by workers across different industrial workplaces. Various industries such as automotive, food & healthcare, use protective gloves to ensure worker’s safety and health & prevent cross contaminations across processes and equipment.

Gloves can be reusable or disposable, the former find wide applications in harsher work environment, while the latter is prominently used in milder work environment to prevent product contamination. These gloves are made from polymers of several types of compounds, including nitrile, butyl, neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, and natural rubber or latex depending on the chemicals the workers handle in different industrial processes.

Responsive and responsible glove manufacturers look for mechanism to determine the suitability of a glove material to avoid the reactivity of chemical compounds.  Most of them prefer ASTM F739 and EN 374 tests for determining the extent of glove degradation in terms of physical changes in texture and color and permeation. This allows the end-use industries to understand various performance parameters and suitability of glove materials in chemical environments. End-use industries consider protecting workers from skin contact with chemicals as the feature of Industrial Gloves, but additional functionalities fulfilled by glove such as high heat resistance and cut property, protection under intermittent splashes or considerable immersion in chemicals are other factors that would determine the market adoption of different types of gloves. Employers in various industries are also required to train their workers on the following: which tasks would require glove use and which would not; how to properly use, take preventive care, and dispose of the gloves. 

The Future of Computer Technology Is Here – Screenless Display


Screenless displays convey visual information without using screen or projector. This technology is emerging in the field of computer-enhanced technologies. Numerous manufacturers are endeavoring to obtain patents for their technologies regarding screenless displays. Technological developments and reduced overall costs of screenless display devices would present new opportunities.

Screenless Display Techniques:

There are three screenless display techniques:

     Visual Image:

Any image that an eye can perceive is included in visual image screenless display. In this technique, light reflects from an intermediate object before it reaches to retina. Virtual reality goggles and heads-up displays are examples of visual image screenless display. Moreover, hologram is the most common example of application of visual image technique. Holograms are transmitted directly or stored in devices, such as holodiscs. A holoprojector is used to access stored images in holodiscs. Google is researching to develop a visual image system that would replace screens in smartphones and tablets.

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Prominent Healthcare IoT trends to watch for in 2016

The healthcare industry is being shaken up– rapid transformation taking place–driven by fast emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The IoT healthcare has profoundly changed the way services are delivered across the globe and has transformed all the facets intrinsically related to healthcare industry. The increasingly massive adoption IoT network has conferred patients and stakeholders with unprecedented benefits: cost-effective as well as quality patient care, augmented patient-provider engagement, digitization of patient data and healthcare services across regions, and effective patient monitoring. 

Advancement in healthcare automation and monitoring technology, innovations in wearable medical devices, technological enhancements in sensors, increasing interoperability of IoT connected devices have driven the healthcare IT segment to deliver “personalized healthcare”–the new paradigm in healthcare IT. The developments in cloud-based connected devices, cost-effective cloud network models by vendors have resulted in the ‘intelligent’ management of big data, which have dramatically improved patient outcomes. The sharing of patient data and its and integration have taken patient monitoring to an astounding levels and has redefined the interaction amongst the patients and healthcare providers.



Some of the trends closely watched by healthcare providers, patients, pharmaceutical companies and various stakeholders are discussed here:

Prominent Healthcare IoT trends in 2016
  • Technologies Make Patients More Responsible For Their Health: Healthcare providers is fast adopting IoT to significantly transform patient engagement modules, by putting a large part of patient monitoring responsibility to patients themselves. Equipped with various wearable devices and sensors, a real-time monitoring of healthcare data is possible and they can constantly weigh on their health data against norms; clinicians and caregivers are alerted in case of any anomaly is found.
  • The ubiquity of smartphones, apps, and wearables will empower patients and providers: Patient-centered healthcare has resulted in dramatically improving quality of care while significantly decreasing overall costs. Furthermore, the data from devices like Fitbit and other personal monitoring devices will also significantly benefit researchers engaged in clinical trials to discover new therapeutic and diagnostic tools, thereby benefitting the entire medical community 
  • Consumer-directed healthcare-–an emerging concept in managed healthcare : IoT has enabled patients to control and manage their own health care spending, along with developments in various Consumer-directed health plans such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will transform the managed healthcare offered by various insurance providers.
  • Platform revolution: the ubiquity of various mobile and cloud devices will lead to a platform revolution, as a leading multinational management consulting services company Accenture puts it in its recent technology vision report. This will address addresses the parameter of interoperability by capturing the data from a range of sources under IoT network such as wearables, smartphones and glucometers, and will engage patients, clinicians and healthcare providers combine them to deliver a holistic healthcare. 
  • Decreasing direct patient-physician interaction: The integration of various Internet-connected devices across platforms has led to remote monitoring of health data possible, improving the diagnosis of diseases and chronic conditions. This will also reduce the need for personalized visits to hospitals and clinics, in case of common symptoms like skin rashes, thereby the time delay in care delivery. Concept such as "smart beds" implemented by some hospitals have improved the in-patient monitoring by decreasing the manual interaction of nurses
  • Data offering valuable insights: The IoT will result in an increased flow of data for efficient patient records, population health data and other national databases, resulting to unraveling of new complexity in provider-physician operations. The management of "data explosion" made possible by big data analytics tools will create vast clinical outcomes opportunities.
  • Patient centered analytics leads to benchmark databases: Monitoring of data available through IoT devices offers valuable health information to establish a common baseline of data for researchers and care givers to analyze when comparing various treatment options for a range of diseases including chronic ones like cancer and asthma. 
  • IoT Devices offering cognitive insights: Vendors and technology providers will keep on making technological enhancements and design innovations of various IoT devices such as wearable devices and apps. The market players will focus on strategies that will increase their adoption in health and wellness centers. This will help provide patients with personalized strategies to prevent lifestyle diseases and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 
  • Concerns on data privacy will lead to favorable government regulations: the vast amount of private health data through various wearable devices and IoT will lead to mounting concerns in data security and privacy. The healthcare providers, vendors and stakeholders in healthcare IoT including enterprises need to provide important safeguard to protect the privacy of data. This will also lead to governments and regulatory agencies across regions secure the medical devices and information stored on the cloud. 
  • IoT will improve patient experiences: Apart from the capability of IoT to drive patient-provider engagement, healthcare provider institutions will lead clinicians, nurses and doctors to spend more quality time with patients, address their concerns thereby transforming their experiences. 
  • Next-Generation EHR: Increased adoption of IoT in healthcare will lead to effective aggregation of useful medical information in making EHR and circulating it across various technology platforms which offers 24/7 monitoring.
  • Cost-effective business models: healthcare industry is experimenting with business models in which the diagnostic devices themselves are not the most valuable piece in the delivery. This has transferred significant value addition for patients, payers and providers. For instance, patients and healthcare providers can detect the early risk factors that may cause cardiac arrest thus alerting them to take necessary actions. The payers including the managed care providers can avoid incremental costs associated due to prolonged recovery of some diseases. 
  • Broader ecosystems: IoT help in creation of broader medical ecosystems. Companies in medical technology are witnesses entering into collaborations and partnership with market players from related industries and each market player will result in unique capability additions to the healthcare industry. This will result in the twin goal of value creation and value capture in various care settings such as prevention and wellness, chronic care, and includes acute care and post-acute care. The IoT technology will help in overcoming different bottlenecks in the integration of medical data across patients, providers, payers associated with each off these segments. 
  • IoT to transform chronic care: IoT in healthcare helps in linking various devices so that they communicate reliably and securely. Data from blood-glucose and heart-rate sensors are available, they are not integrated in a system that aggregates and shares information with all involved parties. For data pertaining to blood glucose levels of patients obtained through remote monitoring sensors will help the patients and providers to measure various bio-signs and further communicate those data to an integrated IoT platform.
  • Medtech players build a portfolio of IoT-enabled innovations: Medtech players identify how IoT technology fits into their existing product portfolio and existing strategy to treat diseases. This results in the delivery of transformational innovation apart from core innovation in terms of incremental enhancements to existing products.
  • IoT capability will help market players in meeting unmet needs: Healthcare providers, companies and technology players will get thorough insights into emerging needs. The market participants will keep tracking information flow in various loops of four critical care settings such as preventive care, chronic care, critical care, and post-acute care and make strategies accordingly. 
With time, more advancements in connected devices and IoT network will take place, and their adoption in healthcare will keep on adding to the positive individualized patient experiences and improving the healthcare outcomes. The efficient management of patient analytics through different IoT devices and increasing capacity of IoT-enabled connectivity across hospitals and providers including clinicians and doctors will unlock ample growth opportunities in the healthcare IT market.
As per a recent report by Allied Market Research, the healthcare IoT is estimated to garner $136.8 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% over the 2014–2021 forecast period. 

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Clinical Evidence Shows Hernia Repair Devices Improve Recurrence Rate

Over the past 6 years, there has been a rapid increase in hernia cases across the world. A study by National Center for Health Statistics (NCH) shows, about 5 million of the population dwelling in America suffer from the disease. NCH revealed that approximately 1 in 2500 infants is diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) every year in the United States. The organization further highlights that with only 50 percent survival rate about 800 babies die. Today, about 4 families are devastated with the news – every day. 

Different types of hernia are incisional, inguinal, femoral and hiatal hernias. The most common form is inguinal hernia which accounts for about 80% of all the other hernia cases. It’s been observed that over 550,000 men need hernia repair every year. Lack of balanced diet, smoking and changes in lifestyle are some of the many factors that often leads to hernia. Furthermore, other factors including obesity and age cause hernia due to weakened muscle as well as excessive pressure on abdomen wall. These rising incidences have created a greater need for hernia repair devices. These are also the major reasons why the market generated about $ 3.9 billion in 2013, indicates a report by Allied Market Research.

Today, the popular repair devices used for correction (hernia) procedures include herniotomy, herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. Certain trends in the hernia repair market has also contributed to its adoption rate worldwide. A key trend responsible for market growth, is a tremendous rise in the adoption of tension – free repair process. Lichtenstein hernioplasty is a popular tension -free repair procedure. It involves the application of a mesh to minimize the pressure on the abdomen and bridge hernia. This technique provides many advantages including minimized the risk of recurrence. Technique has also reduced the duration of hospitalization. 




Another trend that has resulted in the increase of industry share and size is the sudden rise in the adoption rate of advanced meshes. Today, biologic meshes occupy a major market share. They are used for restoring the connections of the tissues and muscle naturally. Besides reducing the failure rates, the mesh minimizes the risk of infection. As these meshes are three – dimensional they can be easily applied. In addition, they work as patch and plug in the affected site. Many prominent market players are developing such tools to serve the rising demand. W.L Gore & Associates Inc. made several heads turn, when it introduced GORE DUALMESH PLUS Biomaterial. It’s one of its kind, two – surface product that has antimicrobial agents which exhibits microbial growth. 

Thirdly, acceptance of robotic surgeries has also created greater opportunities for the hernia repair devices sector. Over the past 6 years, such surgeries have increased precision, accuracy and minimized human errors. Discoveries like robotic arm now offers greater range of motion. It rules out all possibilities of hand tremor. Additionally, its advantages like enhanced three dimensional visualization allows greater precision for delicate work in small areas. Moreover, robot assisted surgeries are believed to have improved the results in MI inguinal hernia repair operations. 

Eyeing the major developments Allied Market Research has published a report titled “World Hernia Repair Devices and Consumables Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 – 2020.” The report offers statistics on market size and share for the forecast period. Study also outlines the impact of market drivers, restraints and opportunities in market dynamics. Subsequent assessment of associated trends is also conducted during the study. Business owners seeking data on which segment and geography would lead the industry would find the report worth their time and investment.  

Thursday 10 March 2016

Collaboration – An Effective Strategy to Develop Impactful Oncology Drugs

Oncology drugs are used to treat various types of cancers. There are various types of oncology drugs used in chemotherapy, hormone therapies, biological therapies, immunotherapy, and bisphosphonates. Increasing incidence of cancer conditions, growing acceptance of advance therapies, and commercialization of advanced therapeutics are driving oncology drugs market. In addition, technological developments create new opportunities in research and development of drugs.

Development and commercialization of cancer therapies is difficult for small manufacturers. Geron Corporation, a biotech company from California has collaborated with Johnson & Johnson. The collaboration would benefit Geron in development of imetelstat, a drug which inhibits telomerase in cancer cells to limit tumor growth and raise its stock price. Johnson & Johnson paid $35 million to Geron for rights of imetelstat. They treated patients in September 2015 with two imetelstat dosage arms in an open-label study. If one of the dosage arms shows considerable level of safety and efficacy, they will take drug to phase 3 and commercial stages. 

Furthermore, they are developing IMbark to treat myelofibrosis patients using JAK inhibitors. Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer that affects nearly 13,000 patients in U.S. This gives an opportunity to J&J to develop first-in-class therapy for treatment of myelofibrosis. Geron has begun a study named IMerge to test imetelstat in patients with myelodysplastic disorders. Myelodysplastic is a condition in which bone marrow is unable to produce blood cells. IMerge will investigate imetelstat in patients who are unable to respond to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The success of these two trials would increase stock prices of Geron and benefit J&J to gain tremendous profit.

Ensemble Therapeutics, a biotech startup from Boston, is developing a group of cancer drugs. The company is focusing on research in fields, such as immuno-oncology and the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is a garbage disposal system cells that is used to tag and trash unwanted proteins. It has disclosed that it is targeting enzymes IDO and TDO that suppresses response of immune system to cancer. The competition in development of IDO drugs is rising as Bristol-Myers, Roche, and Pfizer are also developing the drug. The company is devising various strategies, such as becoming an IPO candidate or an acquisition target, or merger to use development expertise of other companies.

According to an analysis of medical claims from commercial health plans, spending for outpatient cancer drugs is increasing. Manufacturers are charging more for drugs as hospitals are employing more oncologists, and consequently, average spending per person increases. Expensive drugs are entering the market and higher prices contribute to two-third of that spending increase. 

Rena Conti, an assistant professor of health policy at the University of Chicago is researching on healthcare financing and biopharmaceuticals. She said, “We're in this golden age of treating cancer. There are more and more options to treat the most common cancers.” It is observed that high cost of drugs does not deliver considerably better results. A study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology regarding comparison of two cancer drugs, bevacizumab and cetuximab. It found no difference in outcomes despite having a huge difference in costs. In order to ensure that patients get access to life saving treatments, insurers should take necessary steps to reduce spending. Moreover, collaborations would help manufacturers to increase expertise in research and development activities and reduce drug prices.

Analysts studying the oncology drugs market have presented thorough information about changing market dynamics in research reports. Recently, Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “World Oncology/Cancer Drugs Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 - 2020.” As per the report, the world oncology/cancer drugs market is estimated to register a CAGR of 7.1% from 2014 to 2020 and would reach at $111.9 billion by 2020. The report provides an extensive analysis of drivers & opportunities, detailed segmentation, and key manufacturers. Key findings about types & regions, classification, and applications of oncology drugs and value chain analysis are explored in the study.

The Role of miBot Micromanipulators to Achieve Multi-Robots Cooperation

Micromanipulator is a device that interacts with samples under microscope to achieve precise movement that cannot be achieved by human hand. It is used in conjunction with microscopes in biological research and positioning test probes in microelectronics. Applications of micromanipulators include industrial micromanipulation, such as packaged parts, semiconductors & microelectronics. Furthermore, it is used widely in cell micromanipulation applications, such as embryonic stem cell transfer and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. The selection of specific micromanipulator depends upon the level of precision and movement required for particular application. Increasing infertility issues across the globe and acceptance of IVF techniques are creating opportunities for micromanipulators. 

Researchers at Hamlyn Center for Robotic Surgery of Imperial College London conducted an experiment to develop multi-robot cooperation using micromanipulators. Robotic manipulation of samples to be measured in microns need high precision and dexterity. Spherical particles of 50μm in diameter, which resemble with biological cells in shape & size, were selected as a specimen in experiment. An upright optical microscope Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16, computer software application, and miBot micromanipulators developed by Imina Technologies with custom compliant end-effectors were used make the micro-robotics system.



At least two robots were required to operate cooperatively to enhance manipulation of objects. In this experiment, visual servoing technique was used to determine the position of particles and the position of the end-effectors in the microscope video film. The technique was capable of predicting direction of motion of robots, their orientation, and modulate their speed. The biggest advantage of using this technique was to simplify movement of particles in three dimensions. An operator could mirror the movement of right manipulator with left manipulator, instead of controlling both manipulators separately. The closed-loop control was programmed using software development kit of Imina Technologies.

Manipulation of spherical particles via pointed probe tips required high precision, though visual servoing framework provided good accuracy. End-effectors were needed to carry out flexible motions in more than one dimension. A custom end-effector with features, such as cupped shape for fitting the object to be manipulated and flexible spring for compliance during contact were needed. The end-effector has to make contact even when an overshoot takes place. For this purpose, direct laser writing was used to fabricate a compliant end-effector with 75μm in length and 20μm in diameter at probe tips of the manipulator. 

This experiment proved that miBot mobile micro-robots by Imina Technologies operates with nanometer resolution to provide smooth motion for multi-robot cooperation. Flexible orienting and locating of end-effector that adjusts to different shapes and dimension was possible with miBot micromanipulators. Potential applications in which this solution can be used are cell measurements, tissue engineering, and cell enucleation.

Analysts studying the micromanipulators market have presented information about changing market trends in research reports. Recently, Allied Market Research has published a report titled, “World Micromanipulators Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 – 2020.” As per the report, the world micromanipulators market is estimated to register a CAGR of 25.8% from 2015 to 2020. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of key drivers & opportunities, classification, applications, detailed segmentation, and key manufacturers analysis. Key findings about types & regions of micromanipulators and value chain analysis mentioned in the study would help market players to devise business strategies and consolidate their position.

Wednesday 9 March 2016

High-end Seed treatment fungicides launched by different chemical majors help U.S. sugarbeet growers

Most agriculturalist and farmers worldwide are increasingly adopting seed treatments, mainly to ensure full germination of seeds and enable effective disease prevention in the fields.
There are numerous benefits to seed treatments: providing protection during the developmental stages, strengthening the plants as they grow, encouraging full germination; and helping in warding off the early onset of insects and various fungal diseases to the crop caused. Advancement in agricultural technology and researches on evaluation of different seed treatments have made these more environmental friendly. In addition, various bio-based seed treatments results in greatly reducing the volume of chemicals used as insecticides and fungicides.

Most, but not all seeds, need seed treatment methods, due to being fungal prone and vulnerable to insects like wireworms, seedcorn beetles and maggots. These heavily retard the germination process by infesting the seedlings and seedling plants, and causes nitrogen loss or significant depletion of nourishing soil nutrients.


For quite some time, fungal diseases have affected cultivation across major regions in the U.S., since the crop is highly susceptible to seed rot ant pre-emergence damping mainly caused by various species of soil-borne fungi such as Pythium species and Rhizoctonia solani, and other pathogens, mainly including Pythium species. These fungi and pathogens are active during cool, wet conditions, and increasingly affect the sugarbeet crops. Prevalence and severity of these seedling diseases affecting the produce of sugarbeet have led many major chemical producers various high-end seed treatment fungicide to help producers increase their stands and yields. Recently this year, BASF, a global chemical major, has won approval by the leading Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its seed treatment fungicide, Systiva® XS. The seed treatment Systiva XS considered by the chemical manufacturer to be the next-generation fungicide, is helpful to U.S. sugar beet growers by effectively controlling a range of soil-borne diseases in their crops. The most common and destructive fungal pathogens, Rhizoctonia, which can cause significant loss amounting 30-60 % of the yield, mainly through root rot, which can affect the entire filed yield. The effectiveness of the Seed Treatment has already been validated in various field studies conducted during the years 2014 & 2015.

Another multinational agricultural company based in Switzerland, Syngenta AG, has recently introduced Vibrance® seed treatment fungicide which help sugarbeet growers to prevent the crop infected by the same diseases, thereby considerably enhancing the crop yield. As claimed by the chemical producer, Vibrance has the active ingredient sedaxane and is compatible with various other seed treatment products used to increase the standability of sugarbeet seedling and augment crop yield.

According to Mark Schmidt, VP, Sales & Marketing, Betaseed, “The performance of Systiva XS seed treatment fungicide in commercial fields will give growers long-lasting control throughout the life cycle of the crop, based on our three years of trials.”

Other crops such as Canola and pulse crops also require proper protection in the fields against fungicide. The latest additions to the fungicide line-up for canola and pulses offered by BASF are INSURE® PULSE seed treatment and LANCE® AG fungicide, two new AgCelence® products. The products are claimed to provide control for a broad spectrum of diseases along with offering unique benefits to growers including better yield management in the fields.

As per a recently published report by Allied Market Research titled “World Seed Treatment Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 – 2021”, the world seed treatment market would reach $7.8 billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 8.3% during the 2015–2021 forecast period. Burgeoning global food requirement requiring increasing the yield in each crop cycle has fostered the market growth across regions. Furthermore, increasing prices of genetically modified (GM) seed have boosted the need for crop protection to manage the risk on investment, resulting in the growth of seed treatment market.

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Protein Supplements Continue to Drive the Sports Nutrition Market Worldwide

Today sports nutrition industry is no longer busy just luring athletes, but other customers too. The market is now looking for something that’s new as well as innovative. This has further forced many manufacturers to react fast as well as revamp sports nutrition range. However, it’s a fact that ingredients in it cannot be altered without influencing the taste of these products. Therefore, flavor companies are all geared to challenge the reformulated sports nutrition products while considering the required nutrition specifications and the increasing need for natural and recognizable additives.