Applications
Below is a list of a few suitable target applications for our SILOCYM™ products due to their controlled size, high degree of monodispersity, and customizable functionality.
DNA Sequencing Microarrays
Monodisperse silica beads are a major component of particle-based oligonucleotide arrays. These arrays used in DNA sequencing, consist of microwells etched onto substrates such as silicon wafers. By using silica nanoparticles with a controlled diameter, each well is filled with an individual particle that is then functionalized with a specific oligonucleotide, allowing for accurate sequencing.
![](https://nanocym.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NC-Microarray-Diagram.png)
CMP Slurries
SILOCYM™ silica is used in ultra-high purity (UHP) slurries for chemical mechanical (CMP) polishing. These slurries are used to finish and planarize silicon wafers, optical substrates, and other microelectronic surfaces. Spherical, high purity silica with a defined size distribution enables a controlled removal rate.
![](https://nanocym.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CMP-Slurry-Graphic.png)
Photonic Crystals
Monodisperse silica is used in the creation of photonic crystals, which makes use of the formation of highly ordered domains formed by the beads. These crystals have a wide range of applications such as high-performance LEDs, optical filters, and synthetic opal.
![](https://nanocym.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hexagonal-Packing-SEM-NC.png)
Microporous & Hollow Fiber Membranes
SILOCYM™ is used as a structural template in the manufacturing of microporous, semi-permeable membranes with high throughput. These membranes can be used for a variety of water and gas filtration applications. Monodisperse silica is dispersed in a resin and then leached via conventional acid-based treatment, resulting in a membrane surface with a defined pore size that provides the desired throughput.
![](https://nanocym.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Membrane-NC-Fitted.png)