Developed by the Naval Research Laboratory In order to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on the hulls of ships, the Naval Research
Laboratory has been investigating the use of microtubules as agents for the first order
delivery of biocides. By encapsulating biocide chemicals within microtubule structures and adding this encapsulated material to paint that
is used to coat the hulls of ships, the growth of
microorganisms has significantly been
inhibited over extended periods of time. The
picture to the left illustrates this effectiveness
by comparing a settlement control (lower rod)
with that of a rod coated with paint containing
biocides encapsulated within microtubules
(upper rod). The utilization of the inexpensive
microtubule halloysite mineral as the host
material makes this a cost effective means for
delivering various chemical species at a
controlled, slow release rate for many different
applications. NRL biofouling control with and without microtubules
Preliminary efforts at NRL were focused on the use of lipid-based materials for making
microtubles. These lipid materials, though very effective, were rather costly. More recent
efforts involve the use of naturally occurring
halloysite, an aluminosilicate mineral that can
be found throughout the world. This mineral
comes in the form of halloysite tubules that
have lengths on the order of 0.5 micrometers
and diameters of about 0.1 micrometers.
The outer surface carries a negative charge
while the ends of the tubules have a net
positive charge. These polar microtubules
enable them to be suspended in an aqueous
carrier solution. The cost advantage is
obvious considering that previously
developed lipid microtubules can be Scanning Electron Micrograph of halloysite microtubules$2000 / gram while halloysite material is priced around $400 - $600 /ton.

The Naval Research Laboratory has developed and patented processes for impregnating
these microtubules with various chemical species. These tubules have been shown to
effectively release the encapsulated species at a slow, controlled rate. A demonstration of this controlled release rate has been
done by the Department of
Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical
Technology, School of Pharmacy at the
University of Dublin in Ireland. The
figure to the left is a graph that illustrates
the release of a cationic drug proparanolol. P1 is the free drug control run, P2 is the drug loaded halloysite tubules and
P3 is drug loaded coated halloysite tubules. The comparison between the standard
delivery method (P1) and the microtubule delivery methods (P2 & P3) reveal the dramatic
advantage in using micro tubular drug delivery methods. Drug treatments by this method
would be more cost effective with a greater likelihood of successfully treating a patient with
a single treatment.

Advantages in Using Microtubules as Carrying Agents
There are many possible advantages in using microtubules as the delivery or carrying
agent for various chemical substances. A few of these are:
• A reduction of toxic chemical runoffs (pesticides, herbicides, etc.) since can use an overall lesser amount. • A reduction in cost due to the use of a lower amount of substance (such as drugs, etc.) being delivered or the more efficient delivery of these compounds over time. • Lower labor costs because any application of chemical substance via microtubule carrying agent will last many times longer and therefore will require less number of
applications. • More effective delivery of substance since microtubules will protect encapsulant till it is delivered. • Targeted delivery of substances may be possible by modification of microtubule. • Improved performance and longer lasting effect of encapsulated material.

Why is the Use of Halloysite Mineral as the Microtubule Carrying Agent A Major Break Through in Technology?
Much of the work in microtubules has been in the area of lipids and nanostructure
fabricated inorganics. The Naval Research Laboratories patented approach of using
halloysite microtubules as the carrying agent has vast potential because of the following
reasons:
• It is extremely cheap. • There is a vast plentiful worldwide supply of halloysite mineral. • Since it is a naturally occurring clay it is environmentally benign. • It is extremely easy to handle and process. • Halloysite microtubules are inherently polar structures making them a natural carrying agent.
In Which Markets Can This Microtubule Technology Be Effectively Utilized?
Even though this technology was initially developed by the Navy to inhibit the growth of
marine organisms on the hulls of navy ships, the market and industry areas for which this
technology can potentially be utilized almost seem endless. The principle inventor, Ron
Price, has effectively demonstrated the use of microtubules as carrying/delivery agents,
controlled chemical release vehicles, and/or prolonged / extended chemical agent
exposure mediums. A listing of some of these different industries or markets follows:
• Paintings / Coatings • Agricultural • Medical / Pharmaceutical • Petroleum • Food Processing / Restaurants • Cosmetics, Flavors & Fragrance • Pet Industry • Pest Control • Construction Materials
Is There Patent Protection for Using Microtubules As Chemical Carrying Agents? The Naval Research Laboratory has patents that provide protection for the microtubule
technology. These patents deal with the composition of the microtubules, the structure of
the microtubules, the method of delivering an active agent at a controlled rate, and a list of
active agents for encapsulation within the microtubules. Active agents include fungicides,
herbicides, insecticides, pheromones, hormones, antibiotics, antihelmetics, antifoulants,
and mixtures thereof. The Naval Research Laboratory is interested in working with
companies to develop this technology for specific applications and licensing the intellectual
property for different areas of use. “Controlled Release of Active Agents Using Inorganic Tubules”, United States Patent
5,651,976. Ronald R. Price and Bruce P. Gaber; July 29, 1997. “Sustained Delivery of Active Compounds from Tubules, with Rational Control”, United
States Patent 5,705,191. Price, Ronald R.; Schnur, Joel M.; Rudolph, Alan S.; Selinger;
Jonathan; Singh, Alok; Gaber, Bruce P.; January 6, 1998. “Controlled Release Microstructures”, United States Patent 5,492,696. Price, Ronald R.;
Schnur, Joel M.; Schoen, Paul E.; Testoff; Mary; Georger, Jr., Jacque H.; Rudolph, Alan;
Brady, Robert F.; February 20, 1996.
How Do I Find Out More About this Technology and How I Might Use It for My Application?
For inquiries about utilizing this technology for your application please contact Dr. Kevin
Smith at 724-539-8310 or by email at ksmith@tech-recon.com. We can assist you in finding out whether this microtubule technology can effectively be utilized in your market
niche and/or your specific application. Once it is determined that this technology has the
potential to meet your needs, we can help you in obtaining the necessary information, in
interacting with the pertinent researchers, and in the overall facilitation of the technology
transfer process. We look forward to discussing with you the use of microtubules in your
industry.

NEWBIES - ALMI Press Release
Atlas Mining to Present Paper to International Minerals Congress
Tuesday March 30, 11:40 am ET
Microtubule Attributes of Dragon Mine Halloysite Topic of Presentation

OSBURN, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2004--Atlas Mining Company (OTCBB:ALMI - News), a natural resource and mining company, announced today its advisory board member, Dr. Ron Price, will address mineral experts from around the world at the 17th annual Industrial Minerals International Congress (IM17) in Barcelona, Spain.
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Atlas Mining Begins Portal Excavation
Wednesday April 14, 8:30 am ET
Company Updates its Shareholders on Mining Operations

OSBURN, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2004--Atlas Mining Company (OTCBB:ALMI - News), a natural resource and mining company, announced today it has excavated for the mine portal, has purchased three additional pieces of mining equipment, and has exposed approximately 100 tons of halloysite clay in the pit wall.
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Atlas Mining President and CEO William Jacobson said, "We have excavated the area that will be the opening to the mine. The site we've chosen for our portal is very advantageous. We only have to drift down to the 120-foot level, at a 15-degree decline, to be at the bottom of a rather sizable bed of clay. We'll be able to conduct our first several years of mining operations at these levels, but will look to concurrently set up other extraction stopes in beds near this area as demand for our clay increases." The total length of the tunnel is anticipated to be around 250 feet, and the company expects to be able to reach the underground bed of halloysite clay within 30 days.