Information about the contest is available on our website, www.swcole.com, and our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SWColeEngineering. We produced a video geared to students that can be viewed on our YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/SWColeEngineering.

An informational packet can be obtained through links on our web site, www.swcole.com.
For more information contact Dave Dunning in Maine at 207-848-5714 or Jennifer Booth in New Hampshire at 603-692-0088.

BOOTHBAY, ME – August 16, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that its fresh produce pad has earned the BioPreferred label from the USDA in its Packaging Materials category. The USDA label assures consumers that a product or package contains a verified amount of renewable biological ingredients. Biovation’s pad is the first food packaging pad product to be certified in the Packaging Materials category, and is among the first products developed in Maine to earn BioPreferred status. Instead of petroleum-based materials, the pad uses polylactic acid (PLA), which is derived from cornstarch. It is all natural, biodegradable, compostable, bio-absorbable, and non-toxic. When used in food-packaging materials, the pad’s antimicrobial chemistry mitigates the proliferation of food-borne pathogen such as e-coli and listeria.

“Earning the BioPreferred label is a real differentiator for Biovation, as it provides an independent, objective stamp of approval for our food packaging pad,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO of Biovation. “The food industry is eager use more sustainable, bio-based materials, and this certification validates our fresh produce pad as a ‘green’ option.”

The label also is a milestone for the Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine, as Biovation is its first member to receive the BioPreferred label for one of its products. The trade association is dedicated to building Maine’s emerging industry of plastic products that are non-toxic, petroleum-free and bio-compostable.

“Biovation continues to be a leader nationally and in Maine in producing bio-based products,” says Lauralee Raymond from the Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine.  “The Sustainable Bioplastics Council of Maine realizes the rapidly growing market demand for bio-based products as a substitute for petroleum, and Biovation is demonstrating the business opportunities to meet that demand.”

Biovation is the only manufacturer with a targeted PLA-based “green and sustainable” biopolymer non-woven product line suite with antimicrobial chemistry manufactured in the USA. The company is focused on three scalable market sectors: consumer and institutional formulations, food packaging, and advanced wound care. Biovation’s fresh produce pad uses a non-woven PLA meltblown fiber technology to create a super absorbent pad with very high surface area. It incorporates EPA- and FDA-approved antimicrobial chemistry based on silver-ion technology to inhibit bacterial growth. Food packaging customers use the pad as a fully integrated, multipurpose, food preservation technology platform. It is all natural, biodegradable, compostable, bio-absorbable, and non-toxic. For use in fresh produce packaging, the pad controls and mitigates food borne pathogens that come in contact with it while also absorbing the excess fluid in the food package container.

For more information about the USDA’s BioPreferred program, visit http://www.biopreferred.gov

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a high-tech manufacturing company providing non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications. Biovation has extensive experience with bioplastic polymers such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries also are available for coating on fibers, for textiles, or as stand-alone products for proprietary applications. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12

BOOTHBAY, ME – May 13, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that has received the Rising Star Award at the 2011 New England Innovation Awards, sponsored by the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE). SBANE is a non-profit association that helps business owners grow their companies. Its New England Innovation Awards program showcases technology-driven enterprises that are potential “game-changers” in their marketplace niche. Biovation was chosen for the award from more than 180 candidates, and is the first Maine-based company to win an award from SBANE since 1994.

“We are proud to be recognized by the Smaller Business Association of New England, and to have our Maine-based company join the list of exceptional New England companies honored with an Innovation Award,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “Biovation’s products are being well received from our target industry markets, and we are excited for the company’s future. Just as important, however, is that this is a ‘win’ for the innovation and entrepreneur business community of Maine – together, we are the engine for Maine’s economic growth, and will be the next-generation of game-changers.”

The most recent Maine-based companies to receive a SBANE award were Tom’s of Maine, in 1990, and Wright Express in 1994. A full list of winners since the program’s inception is on the SBANE web site: http://www.sbane.org/sbane-events/the-innovation-awards/circle-of-excellence-past-innovation-winners/

Biovation extends its sincere gratitude to the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for nominating Biovation for the award, to the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) for the seed and development grants it has awarded to Biovation, and to its parent company, Anania & Associates, a private investment fund focusing on companies in the manufacturing, service, and distribution sector.

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a high-tech manufacturing company providing non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications. Biovation has extensive experience with bioplastic polymers such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries also are available for coating on fibers, for textiles, or as stand-alone products for proprietary applications. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12

BOOTHBAY, ME – May 3, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that it has hired Val Gunn as its Technical Director. In addition to managing the company’s Boothbay laboratory, she will take lead roles in a number of the company’s existing initiatives, as well as in its ongoing product development efforts.

Biovation has brought Gunn onto the team to conduct all tests, protocols, and activities at the company’s laboratory. In addition, Gunn will be the Project Manager/Technical Lead for the company’s boot-drying project, for which it recently won a contract from the U.S. Marine Corp. Gunn also will help develop and engineer Biovation’s existing line of advanced wound-care and food-packaging products, and generate ongoing intellectual property for the company.

“Biovation has an innovative non-woven fiber and infection control chemistry technology platform, and I’m looking forward to working on developing products for our existing customers and partners, as well as for new markets,” says Gunn.

Gunn is an MBA-certified chemist/materials scientist with more than 10 years of hands-on experience directing and managing R&D processes and product development programs. She brings a broad array of management and technical expertise to Biovation, including in wound care product development and textile coatings, from previous positions at Andover Healthcare, Inc., Soluol Chemical, and Polaroid Corp. Gunn received a BA in Organic Chemistry from University of Massachusetts, and a Ph. D. in Medicinal Chemistry from University of North Texas.

“This is an important hire for Biovation, and we are excited to have Val on our team,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “She combines laboratory experience with a strong hands-on process and design knowledge of how to bring new products to market, both of which are crucial to Biovation at this point in our growth path.”

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a high-tech manufacturing company providing non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications. Biovation has extensive experience with bioplastic polymers such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries also are available for coating on fibers, for textiles, or as stand-alone products for proprietary applications. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com / 207-633-0616 x 12

BOOTHBAY, ME – April 8, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that it is a finalist for the 2011 New England Innovation Awards, sponsored by the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE). SBANE is a non-profit association that helps business owners grow their companies. Its New England Innovation Awards program showcases technology-driven enterprises that are potential “game-changers” in their marketplace niche. Twenty finalists were chosen from a field of 182 applicants; Biovation is a finalist for the Rising Star Category.

“Biovation is proud to advance to the finalist level for the 2011 New England Innovation
Awards, not only for the honor to our own company, but for the ability to highlight the exciting advances being made in manufacturing in Maine,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “The State of Maine has made strategic investments to support innovation in our technology and manufacturing sectors, and this recognition shows that the investments are paying off.”

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) nominated Biovation for the award, and the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) has awarded seed and development grants to Biovation. Biovation is a portfolio company of Anania & Associates, a private investment fund focusing on companies in the manufacturing, service, and distribution sectors.

The SBANE New England Innovation Awards are highly competitive. Each nominee represents its value proposition in a 15-minute presentation to an influential group of judges; the 20 finalists will each make a formal presentation to the entire panel of judges on April 13. Winners will be announced May 11 at the New England Innovation Awards Gala in Waltham, MA. Judges were interested in Biovation’s non-woven fiber technology platform and products that are addressing pressing current needs and its list of early adopter customers and partners.

More information about the SBANE awards is online at http://www.sbane.org/sbane-events/the-innovation-awards/

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a high-tech manufacturing company providing non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications. Biovation has extensive experience with bioplastic polymers such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries also are available for coating on fibers, for textiles, or as stand-alone products for proprietary applications. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12

PORTLAND, ME  – April 7, 2011 – The Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII) announces the final agenda for the 2011 Wind & Ocean Energy Seminar. Scheduled for April 13-14 at the Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel, the two-day conference will focus on how Maine companies can capture new business and create jobs from the opportunities in the expanding wind and ocean energy markets.

Conference sessions include:

• Opportunities and Outlook for North American Wind and Ocean Energy
• Developing Composites in Offshore Wind
• Wind Turbine Supply Chain
• Opportunities and Issues for North East Offshore Development
• Offshore Wind Service Vessel Needs and Opportunities
• Maine Tidal Energy Project: The Largest Ocean Energy Device Deployed in the US

“Maine is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the offshore wind and ocean energy markets. We have the greatest potential for wind energy development of the entire northeast, and expertise in marine services and composites development,” says Paul Williamson, Director and Industry Coordinator, MWII. “This two-day conference will help Maine businesses understand the opportunity, meet industry players, and position their companies to capture new business.”

The event is a Composites World conference, produced by Gardner Publications in association with the Maine Composites Alliance and the Maine Wind Industry Initiative. For a complete brochure of the two-day conference, visit http://www.compositesworld.com/conferences/2011-wind-and-ocean-energy-seminar

Registered press can contact Paul Williamson for a pass to attend the two-day event by calling 207.242.3521, or emailing pw@mainewindindustry.com

About The Maine Wind Industry Initiative (MWII)

The Maine Wind Industry Initiative was created to develop opportunities for Maine industry in the growing wind industry in the Northeast United States, and to support Maine’s efforts to become a major energy supplier to the northeast corridor. MWII identifies and documents industry needs, pursues market opportunities on behalf of Maine industry, and assists the State in leveraging its considerable natural resources to the benefit of the State. For more information, visit http://mainewindindustry.com/

Contact

Paul Williamson

Maine Wind Industry Initiative

207.242.3521

pw@mainewindindustry.com

or

Alison Harris

Harris Media Services

207.829.4500

alison@harrismediaservices.com

BOOTHBAY, ME – March 15, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces that it has been selected by the US Marine Corps to develop a special boot-drying technology based on its non-woven polylactic acid (PLA) polymer material fiber forming technologies. The technology includes a super-absorbent plus desiccant PLA liner integrated with a bag into which Marines can place wet boots for overnight drying. The eight-month contract calls for Biovation to develop a prototype for field-testing by Marines. Biovation will develop the prototype at its Boothbay, ME facility, and anticipates hiring one to two new employees to fulfill the contract.

“Our troops are patrolling through wet environments, and rarely have access to electrical power. They need an easy and portable way to dry their boots overnight,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “Biovation is proud to have been chosen by the US Marine Corps to develop a boot-drying technology based on the sustainable green PLA material and our non-woven fabric manufacturing and formulation expertise.”

The bag will feature a non-woven fabric layer that will act as a powerful moisture scavenger. Marines will carry the portable bag in their backpacks, and place their wet combat boots inside the bag for overnight drying. It will be developed using  polylactic acid material utilizing Biovation’s proprietary meltblown polymer manufacturing process, resulting in a product that is compostable, and therefore easily disposed. Upon successful completion of the technology development phase, Biovation will apply to become a vendor to supply production quantities.

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a technology design and manufacturing company that manufactures non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications for consumer and institutional markets. Biovation has extensive experience with green sources such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries are available coated on non-woven fibers, or as a stand-alone product for partners’ proprietary materials. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO

Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12

PORTLAND, MAINE – Lighthouse Imaging Corporation announces that it has expanded its line of EndoBench^TM measurement instruments used to test and report the image quality of flexible and rigid endoscopes. In addition to its flagship EndoBench tester, used by hospital and surgical center clinical engineering staff, the company has recently launched EndoBenchXT for scope repair firms and manufacturers, and announces plans for EndoBench XTB, intended for high workflow environments. The EndoBench testers perform a comprehensive set of clinically relevant endoscope quality measurements quickly, simply, and accurately, and also satisfy the recently announced requirements of The Joint Commission for tracking endoscopes in diagnostic medical equipment inventory.

“The Joint Commission now requires accredited hospitals and surgical centers to track all endoscopes; we recommend that all tracked products also be part of a preventive maintenance program to ensure quality prior to patient procedure,” says Dr. Dennis Leiner, Lighthouse Imaging Chief Technology Officer.  “EndoBench is the only product available that objectively measures all clinically relevant optical parameters. With its complete integrated database, it also meets The Joint Commission standards for tracking rigid and flexible scopes.”

The EndoBench testing devices offer a cost-effective method to measure and verify optical parameters throughout the entire endoscope lifecycle, including during production, prior to patient procedure, and while validating repairs.  The series includes:

• EndoBench — This portable instrument is designed for hospitals and surgical centers and enables biomedical professionals to measure the optical characteristics and performance of endoscopes between surgical procedures. The device is easy to use and performs tests on a variety of scopes quickly and efficiently. Its integrated database enables hospitals and surgical centers to track scopes in their medical equipment inventory, a new requirement by The Joint Commission.
• EndoBench XT – Also portable, this device is designed for endoscope service and repair companies and OEMs. In addition to measuring image sharpness and optics transmission, this version tests fiberoptics brightness and distribution and measures eyepiece diopter error.
• EndoBench XTB – Currently under development, this instrument will be bench-mounted for use by endoscope manufacturers and endoscope service and repair companies. It will accommodate a wider variety of endoscope configurations, such as offset and angle eyepieces.  The new instrument will be suitable for a high-volume workflow environment and in the design, manufacturing, and assembly process of endoscopes.

The EndoBench instrument consists of a custom designed opto-mechanical system and software to evaluate and report the parameters that are central to a clinical environment.  Adapters and fixtures are included for measuring rigid, flexible and video endoscopes.

Lighthouse Imaging will be displaying EndoBench at MDExpo in Napa, CA from March 24-26. Contact the company to schedule a personalized demonstration at sales@lighthouseoptics.com.

About Lighthouse Imaging Corporation

As a leading developer of endoscopes, endoscope adapters, endoscope test and measurement equipment, and advanced medical optics innovations, Lighthouse Imaging is focused on providing superior technological solutions to the minimally invasive surgical marketplace. Lighthouse Imaging Corp. is an award-winning provider of optical engineering and design services for leading manufacturers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to medical startups, with more than 15 patents issued. Our NIST-traceable test equipment is manufactured in the United States at our ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and FDA-registered facility.  Lighthouse Imaging was named 2010 Maine Innovator of the Year by the Maine International Trade Center. For more information, please visit www.lighthouseoptics.com or contact:

Mark Waite, CEO, Lighthouse Imaging Corporation

+1 207.253.5350

sales@lighthouseoptics.com

BOOTHBAY, ME – February 14, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces it has developed a line of cost-effective antibacterial and antimicrobial textile treatments for upholstery used in the healthcare marketplace. Biovation’s silver formulation acts as a broad-spectrum biocide for medical upholstery textiles, functioning as an odor control agent and reducing the risk of transmitting infection between patients and staff by preventing bacteria and fungi from thriving in or on fibers and textile surfaces.

“The growth of drug-resistant strains of bacteria is creating an enormous challenge for healthcare facilities, and textiles are known to harbor bacteria and fungi,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “Our custom blended silver-based antimicrobial formulation for the upholstery sector prevents bacteria from thriving, provides odor control, and imparts reduction of the risk of transmitting infection on the textile surface.”

Silver is recognized as safe and effective by the FDA and EPA for infection and odor control, yet it requires specialized formulations to ensure the textile treatments are cost effective and able to attain application-centric customized performance levels. Biovation’s controlled-release product solution reacts to local conditions to maintain a low but specific concentration of silver ions for extended periods. The clear and flexible surface coating on each fiber or polymer additive within the fibers maintains a safe equilibrium on the fiber surface with the potency to prevent bacteria growth. This multi-release, multi-component formulation is durable and maintains effectiveness for the life of the treated article.

As part of its technology and product suite, Biovation formulates customized solutions for OEM’s targeted applications using a variety of antimicrobial platforms available in the commercial market.  Biovation works closely with each OEM partner to determine performance and application requirements, and uses that information to guide the integration of the formulation into the manufacturing process and supply chain. Biovation tests each product platform for efficacy using industry test protocols in approved labs, and shares the data with OEM partners.

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a technology design and manufacturing company that manufactures non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications for consumer and institutional markets. Biovation has extensive experience with green sources such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries are available coated on non-woven fibers, or as a stand-alone product for partners’ proprietary materials. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO

Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12

New facility in Easthampton, MA will be used for bio-testing, chemical formulation, compounding and blending, and R&D for infection control formulations

BOOTHBAY, ME – January 25, 2011 – Biovation LLC, a manufacturer of antimicrobial formulations and non-woven fiber products for food packaging and wound care, announces it has expanded its laboratory capacity with a second facility in Easthampton, MA. Biovation’s Boothbay, ME facility will continue to be the company’s primary location for R&D and full-scale manufacturing and product delivery, and the new Easthampton, MA facility will be used for additional bio-testing, chemical formulation, and compounding. The new facility will enable Biovation to be geographically closer to some customers and provide easier access to key elements in its supply chain.

“It makes sense to leverage our knowledge base, and to augment our capacity with this new facility,” says Kerem Durdag, CEO, Biovation. “Biovation is working with a number of new partners and customers, and the two facilities together offer us a strong multi-location network.”

The Easthampton, MA facility also will be used for research and development activities for customers. As part of its technology and product suite, Biovation formulates customized solutions for OEM’s targeted applications using a variety of antimicrobial platforms available in the commercial market.  Biovation works closely with each OEM partner to determine performance and application requirements, and uses that information to guide the integration of the formulation into the manufacturing process and supply chain. Biovation tests each product platform for efficacy using industry test protocols in approved labs, and shares the data with OEM partners.

About Biovation LLC

Biovation is a technology design and manufacturing company that manufactures non-woven fiber products with antimicrobial properties for food packaging, wound care, and custom OEM applications for consumer and institutional markets. Biovation has extensive experience with green sources such as polylactic acid, which comes from cornstarch and is completely biodegradable. Biovation’s infection control chemistries are available coated on non-woven fibers, or as a stand-alone product for partners’ proprietary materials. For more information, call +1 207.633.0616 or visit http://www.biovation.com.

Contact:

Kerem Durdag, CEO

Biovation

Kdurdag at biovation.com

207-633-0616 x 12