3M honored for its technology innovations at 2017 Edison Awards

April 21, 2017

The global award recognizes two inventive products from 3M Oral Care and 3M Food Safety.

3M announced that two of its most innovative and advanced technologies have been selected to receive a 2017 Edison Award, a global recognition honoring innovators who create a positive impact in the world.

The 3M™ Mobile True Definition Scanner from 3M Oral Care received a Bronze Edison Award in the Diagnostic Tools category and the 3M™ Molecular Detection Assay 2 from 3M Food Safety received a Gold Edison Award.

Category finalists were judged by a panel of more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics in the fields of product development, design, engineering, science and medicine. Winners were chosen for their excellence in concept, value, delivery and impact.

Award-winning 3M Mobile True Definition Scanner

The 3M Mobile True Definition Scanner from 3M Oral Care is said to be a one-of-a-kind tablet-based intraoral scanner. The ergonomic, handheld technology is similar to tablets patients and clinicians use in everyday life, and reportedly gives clinicians the freedom to move within their facilities while carrying the scanner with them. It is designed to offer more space for the clinician and assistant to maneuver. Also, the device can be placed directly into the hands or lap of a patient for informed discussion and patient communication, providing cutting-edge visualization of the patient’s oral anatomy for a better understanding of treatment.

“It is an honor to receive an Edison Award for our innovative approach to oral care and commitment to bringing digital advancement to the industry,” says James Ingebrand, president and general manager for 3M Oral Care. “Positively impacting both the ability of clinicians to provide quality treatment and the oral health of patients is what is most important to the work we are doing at 3M, and we appreciate being recognized for that commitment to the oral care industry.”

Award-winning 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2

The 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 platform is the next generation of tests for 3M’s previously Edison-awarded 3M™ Molecular Detection System. Powered by Isothermal DNA Amplification and Bioluminescence Detection, the technology is engineered to make molecular detection of foodborne pathogens simpler and faster, providing food manufacturers never-before-available speed and ease in identifying Salmonella, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157 (including H7) in food or environment-collected samples, and Cronobacter for powdered infant formula. It reportedly uses a single assay protocol for all pathogens, enabling batch processing of up to 96 different samples at once and improving efficiency in the laboratory. Enhanced with a proprietary 3M nanotechnology, the test is said to give processors a streamlined workflow that simplifies their pathogen detection, enabling same- or next-day results and faster, more confident food safety decisions. Comparative research shows that the 3M Molecular Detection Assay 2 - Salmonella, for example, will process a batch of 96 samples 1.7 times faster than the closest competitive technology.

“At 3M, we work to enhance food safety by offering transformational technology that protects the health of consumers while optimizing productivity, and protecting the brands of our customers,” says Polly Foss, vice president/general manager for 3M Food Safety. “Therefore, we are especially proud to receive this honor as it showcases our commitment to innovative solutions that bring about safety and quality in our food supply.”