R&D firm Luna Innovations endeavors to make practical use of cutting-edge technologies in the areas of molecular technology and sensing. Its molecular technology efforts focus on materials (including polymers, reagents, and nanomaterials) with enhanced performance characteristics; Luna has developed contrast agents for MRI testing, nanomaterials used in solar cells, and protective coatings. It has also created sensing technologies used in medical monitoring equipment, as well as wireless and fiber-optic monitoring systems for defense and industrial instrumentation. Luna Innovations voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-2009 and emerged from in early 2010.