Specialty materials company based in the UMass Amherst Mount Ida Campus of UMass Innovation Institute (UMII), Xheme, has developed non-toxic programmable powder for “smarter” plastics and coatings called Xheme Multifunctional Additives (XMAs). 
 
According to UMass Amherst, XMAs can be customized for use in a multitude of applications, including fungus and fading resistant paint to next generation blood storage bags. XMAs resists microbial growth and damage from ultraviolet light and can control or eliminate oxidative stress that can cause the breakdown of key cellular structures, such as DNA, membranes, lipoproteins, proteins, and lipids. 
 
Unlike some other additives, XMAs do not contain carcinogenic endocrine disruptors linked to various health problems, making it safer to use in food plastics. 
 
“The XMA portfolio is unlike other additives being used in bioprocessing today. Unlike current antioxidants, which are either free-radical scavengers or removable peroxides, XMAs are holistic – performing both functions. XMAs are also regenerative, which other antioxidants are not, meaning less needs to be used for a better result,” said Xheme co-founder, president, and chief scientific officer Kumar Challa.
 
Testing at UMass Amherst showed XMA particles has having a dose-dependent enhancement of cell proliferation of roughly 50%. Additives also showed antibacterial properties that protect against gamma, UV, and X-ray radiation. XMA also exhibited excellent biocompatibility with cells which lead to improved upstream bioprocessing results.
 
Xheme is currently working with several Fortune 500 companies in the plastics and paint industries to bring XMAs to the market.