This piece is presented by South Dakota Biotech.

A South Dakota company could become the “buzz” of an international biotech convention.

Nanopareil LLC is a finalist for the Buzz of BIO, a competition for startups sponsored by the international BIO organization. Winners receive a presentation and promotion to industry leaders at the association’s June convention.

The company grew out of research at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. It produces nanofiber membranes used for purifying viruses, biopharmaceuticals and 3-D nanofiber scaffolds for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration.

“We’re in discussions with multiple Fortune 100 companies that are evaluating our separation media for adoption and application in these various fields,” CEO Craig Arnold said.

The company just finished a $1 million round of angel investment.

Nanopareil’s patented nanofiber membranes are designed to revolutionize the way biochemicals are purified when used to manufacture medicine. The company’s nanofiber filters can directly replace old technology in pharmaceutical factories, saving hundreds of millions of dollars annually and increasing productivity.

Additionally, the company’s 3-D scaffolds are showing promise in bone and cartilage tissue regeneration.

“We want the body to heal itself,” Arnold said. “Our scaffolds are under study and did really, really well.”

The competition runs until April 12, and votes can be entered daily. To vote and learn more about the company, click here.

“It’s so exciting to see a South Dakota company offer such revolutionary products with so many applications,” said Joni Johnson, executive director of South Dakota Biotech, the state affiliate of BIO. “We encourage everyone to help make them the ‘buzz’ of our international convention.”