Authentix Inc. has been awarded a Nano 50 award for their process utilizing nanoscale engineering to fight counterfeiting and diversion in the pharmaceutical, oil and gas, consumer, and agrochemical industries.

I interviewed Cari Weinberg of Authentix public relations about the award and the firm's offerings.

GE: How does the process work?

CW: A key part or our security solutions involve the Incorporation of nanoscale markers into our clients products or their associated packaging. The other components of the solution include readers, sampling services, management of the data base that logs the occurrence of fraudulent or diverted products, and report generation summarizing the ongoing progress of the program.

GE: Your nanoscale materials exhibit distinctive optical properties for covert marking applications. What do those materials do, and what's the advantage of working with nanomaterials?

CW: By working with nanomaterials, we can exploit the unique optical properties that these materials exhibit as compared to their bulk counterparts. In addition, the nano sized taggants can be readily added into the full range of ink systems without altering the properties or performance of the ink.

GE: David Moxam, Authentix President and CEO, calls your work a form of 'social capitalism'. What does he mean by that?

CW: Social capitalism is a term that means applying business skills to a common good. For Authentix, good comes in several forms:

Protecting consumers from counterfeited or pirated goods that don't work or are dangerous. (I.e., fake pharmaceuticals made of harmful ingredients, fuel that has been diluted with adulterants that can cause damage to cars and the environment)

Allowing governments to recoup tax revenues from fraudulent activities (i.e., cigarette smuggling) while stopping the illegal activity in the first place.

Counterfeiting and piracy are methods that are often used by terrorist groups and organized crime rings (Hezbollah, the IRA) to fund their activities. By implementing a nanotech-based solution that tackles counterfeiting, we are helping shut down their revenue streams.