i3 Membrane receives 7 figure sum for development and market launch of new separation technology for biomolecules
January 25, 2021
Four investors are financing the further growth of i3 Membrane GmbH. High-tech venture capital investor HTGF from Bonn, Germany, and three private investors are together investing a 7 figure sum in the further development and market launch of new separation technology for biological molecules. The centerpiece for this round of financing is the construction of the company’s own production facility for membrane filters in Radeberg near Desden. The new separation technology is to be made ready for the market. It is based on the use of electric fields to separate and recover biomolecules such as proteins and antibodies. This technology has been under development since 2016 and is now secured worldwide with more than 7 patents. Biotechnological separation processes are becoming more gentle, more efficient and simpler.
In future, biotechnological processes and the corresponding separation technologies will play a central role not only in vaccine manufacture but also in the development of intelligent cancer drugs.
Stephan Brinke-Seiferth, Managing Director of i3 Membrane GmbH
The newly-developed separation technology is based on the use of electric fields to attract or repel charged biomolecules. So-called chromatographic (intrinsically charged) membranes have been on the market for about 15 years and are being used increasingly in biotech separation processes.
The advantage of these polymer membranes lies in their efficiency, which is around 10 times higher than that of conventional chromatographic separation processes. The disadvantage is that adsorbed biomolecules can only be recovered by using high salt concentrations or altering the pH value. i3’s new technology eliminates this disadvantage. With the aid of ultrathin gold layers deposited directly on the membrane surface, electric fields can be created by the application of voltage. Adsorbed biomolecules can thus be recovered simply by switching on the power.
The market for chromatographic membranes currently has an annual turnover of about 300 million US dollars worldwide and very strong growth of about 20 percent per year. The use of this membrane technology will accelerate biotech development.
We were convinced by the intelligent innovation, which is nevertheless simple, and the new properties of the filter membranes. We are very glad to be continuing our support for the experienced team in growing the company.
Marco Winzer, Investment Manager at HTGF
About i3 Membrane
i3 Membrane GmbH was founded in April 2013 and has become firmly established as a separation technology specialist in the medical and lab equipment field. i3 currently has 24 employees at locations in Hamburg and in Radeberg near Dresden.
Contact
i3 Membrane GmbH
Stephan Brinke-Seiferth
T.: 040 2576748-10
e-mail: s.brinkeseiferth@i3membrane.de
www.i3membrane.de
About High-Tech Gründerfonds
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven start-ups. With around EUR 900 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge almost 600 start-ups since 2005. Driven by their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, its team of experienced investment managers and startup experts help guide the development of young companies. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial technology, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected over EUR 2.9 billion into the HTGF portfolio via more than 1,700 follow-on financing rounds. HTGF has also successfully sold interests in more than 100 companies.
Investors in the public-private partnership include the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, KfW Capital, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and 32 companies. The Fund Investors
Media Contact
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Stefanie Grüter
T.: +49228 – 82300 – 188
s.grueter@htgf.de
Contact Investor
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Marco Winzer, Partner
T.: +49228 –82300 – 100
m.winzer@htgf.de
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