In the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, accuracy is critical. Biotechnologists, clinicians, and researchers alike are always looking for new and innovative products that will improve their ability to collect and analyze biological specimens with unmatched precision. SiMPore, one of the BioMEMs companies that’s at the forefront of advancements in nanoscale discovery, provides state-of-the-art electron microscopy grids that make the accurate and detailed data capture of nanoparticles possible.

“We want to empower researchers from the initial image capture phase to the comprehensive analysis—all on a single membrane surface that is easy to utilize in their own labs,” says Paul Then, SiMPore’s CEO.

SiMPore has been providing industry-leading silicon nanomembranes and BioMEMS technology to researchers that are striving to advance life and materials sciences for the past ten years. And in that decade, nanotechnology and the applications for silicon nanomembranes have grown exponentially—and that the need for these advancements has never been more apparent.

In January 2024, the University of Rochester announced that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a $7.5M grant to establish the Translational Center for Barrier Microphysiological Systems (TraCe-bMPS). Leveraging the µSiM chip technology, University of Rochester researchers aim to reduce the need for pharmaceutical trials on animals.

“We are excited to use this technology to encourage more ethical procedures, which will lessen the need for animal testing,” says Dr. James McGrath, a notable figure in the field of Biomedical Engineering, and an avid user of SiMPore products.

“Instead, more testing can be conducted on tissue chips that replicate human cells. Our chips are engineered to deliver the increased throughput and more dependable indications required by pharmaceutical companies to obtain approval for their products in clinical trials and eventually, patient use.”

The initial nanofiltration technology that would eventually become SiMPore began at the University of Rochester back in 2007. The ultrathin nanoporous silicon membranes were the world’s first to offer both tunable nanometer-scale thickness and pore size. Since then, SiMPore’s team has continued to propel and advance the creation of various types of silicon nanomembranes to meet a wide range of research needs.

At its core, SiMPore produces silicon-based nanofiltration membranes for electron microscopy, which provides the basis for a wide range of environmental and biological sciences applications. By optimizing the unique qualities of silicon to create cutting-edge extracellular vesicle (EV) detection solutions, SiMPore distinguishes itself from the competition through the sheer versatility of their products. Not only can these electron microscopy grids capture biological matter and support the direct cultivation of cells to help advancements in pharmaceuticals, but they can also detect microplastics in the environment.

This versatility is part of what inspires them to be one of the most trusted bioMEMs companies in the United States—and around the world.

“We want to empower researchers from the initial image capture phase to the comprehensive analysis—all on a single membrane surface that is easy to utilize in their own labs,” says Paul Then, SiMPore’s CEO.

Then brings a plethora of knowledge and experience to SiMPore. After an impressive four decades at Corning Incorporated, Paul has occupied leadership positions in the technical, commercial, and business management fields, exhibiting a sharp comprehension of market trends and technological developments. His broad experience in glass-based microsystems and business development has been crucial in assembling a strong team at SiMPore, and accelerating its rise to prominence as a leading bioMEMs company.

SiMPore’s unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction epitomizes a commitment to precision and innovation in nanotechnology. From their humble beginnings in a University of Rochester lab in 2007, to their recognition by MTI as a Top Nanomaterial Solutions Provider in 2023, it’s clear that the journey for this bioMEMs company is anything but microscopic.

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