Nanoshell Company specializes in the design, fabrication, and integration of functional nanomaterials into transformational products and systems

Nanoshell Company was started in the year 2005 by a team of PhD scientists who are seasoned in biomedicine, biophysics, chemistry, materials, and nanotechnology. The company is succored by Federal and State R&D funding, University partnerships, and private investment.

Nanoshell Company develops problem-focused, high impact materials and technologies with life-saving and transformative potential.

We caught up with Dr. Agnes Ostafin to understand the company in detail.

Why did you set up Nanoshell Company?

We started Nanoshell Company as a privately held early stage R&D company in 2005. Our initial focus has been on utilizing nanotechnology to create practical solutions for pressing biomedical needs. We have enjoyed the generous support of federal and state grants for the development of several, key, patented technologies. While we continue to work in this area, we realized that we have learned a lot about formulation of nanomaterials and ingredients, and have expanded our outlook to include the manufacture of ingredients and products that have a more direct impact on consumers.

What are your products/services?

Our expertise is in the manufacture of safe and effective nano-ingredients that are then used to develop safe, effective, and revolutionary products for our global customers. We provide custom personal care product ingredient development for a variety of regulatory classes and small-scale manufacturing services for the personal care industry. This includes, but is not limited to: skin care, hair care, homeopathic, and OTC products.

Describe the experiences, achievements or lessons that have shaped the journey of your company.

We have learned that introducing new kind of materials and approaches into an existing commercial market requires us to put ourselves in the shoes of the user and make sure that we address their needs. In our medically-related projects we realized that what was missing were easy to use tools for the end user that would enable them to establish quality processes, have minimum waste and ensure ultimate safety. Without these easy-to-use tools, that add more value to the innovative product we may have created, it is harder for the end user to bring in something new. We use the same approach for our products intended for commercial use. Once we identify the end user then we make sure that our innovative ingredient or products comes with the  information and the right adjustments/accessories needed to make it easy to use.

Considering the number of your competitors, how are you exceptional?

One thing we know for sure is that there is not a one-size-fits all for customers interested in bringing advanced technology successfully into their products. Our firm has over 25 years of experience in the R&D, and commercial application of nanomaterials both hard and soft, and we have depth and breadth of understanding of a large number of chemical environments. Together this allows us to help our clients implement a unique technology, unique formulation into their products. While we have a number of turnkey products we can also create a totally new, system optimized to their product, leaving their competitors in the dust.

What advice would you give to the companies getting a second wind?

Get yourself good development partners that will help you reach the next level. Pay for this service when necessary because a small investment now will pay dividends long term. Companies like ours will work hard to understand you, your market, your end user needs and challenges. We can give you an edge that other companies don’t have, and keep you from being a follower. You will have your generation 2 and 3 products ready to go, while your competition will be scratching their heads how to make up lost margin on generation 1 products.

What is your organization’s rule of thumb?

Be helpful. Listen. Advise. If our clients are successful, then we are successful.

In this ever-increasing market competition, what do you think, is your company a leader or a follower?

We are, and will continue to aspire to be a leader in the development of nanotechnology-enabled solutions in a wide range of medical, industrial and consumer product arenas.

Where does your company envision itself in the long run?

We envision ourselves as the US and ultimately global go-to nanoingredient company.

Greet the luminary

Dr. Agnes Ostafin is Founder/Partner with an MS in Engineering Management from Drexel University, USA, and a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, from the University of Minnesota, USA, she has over 25 years of nanobiotechnology experience involving chemical and biological synthesis, characterization, chemical and radiation damage, and development of supporting technologies.

“Our unique nanomaterials are ready for integration into new products including food packaging, nutraceuticals, personal care, and supplements.”