March 19, 2008 — NanoBioMagnetics Inc. (NBMI), a nanobiomaterials company with core technology focused on designed structures of magnetically responsive nanoparticles to cause or drive a desired physiological event, announced the issuance of its first patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The patent, titled “Method and Apparatus for Improving Hearing,” is based on the use of magnetically responsive nanoparticles implanted in the organs of the middle ear to drive tissue vibrations in the amplification of sound.

The technology was the first demonstration of the nanomechanical movement of tissue and operates in principle much like a typical commercial electromagnetic hearing aid. Development and validation was done during 2002 to 2004. The company now will move the technology through commercialization partnerships.

Charles Seeney, CEO and founder of NBMI, and co-inventor on the patent, says, “Miniaturization of hearing devices through ever smaller electronic components is part of an emerging trend based on applying nanotechnology to human healthcare needs.” A companion technology, based on the targeted delivery of bioactive materials to the inner ear, continues under development.