- ZEN Graphene Solutions (TSXV:ZEN) is providing graphene oxide from its Guelph facility to help develop a COVID-19 biosensor
- The research team has received a C$400,000 grant to research how to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens and COVID-19 antibodies
- ZEN will also provide materials and facility access to another research endeavour, which received a $50,000 grant
- The company is continuing to develop a graphene oxide-based ink, which may kill viruses when applied to fabric
- ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) is up 27.12 per cent, and is currently trading for 75 cents per share
ZEN Graphene Solutions (TSXV:ZEN) is providing graphene oxide from its Guelph facility to help develop a COVID-19 biosensor.
Professor Maxim Berezovski, from the University of Ottawa, is leading a research team to develop the rapid, ultrasensitive, low-cost biosensor. The sensor will detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and COVID-19 antibodies in potential patients.
The National Sciences and Engineering Council gave the research team an initial grant of approximately C$400,000.
ZEN Graphene’s CEO, Francis Dubé, commented on the company’s role in the collaboration to kill COVID-19.
“It is an honour for ZEN to support the work of Professor Berzovski, and his international team, in their quest for a novel diagnostic test of COVID-19.
“Graphene is a technology enabler, and ZEN is focused on the innovations that graphene can bring, including in biomedical applications. We welcome inquiries from all industries,” he said.
At the same time, ZEN has also partnered with Professor Aicheng Chen, who recently won a $50,000 grant to develop graphene-based antivirals for use against COVID-19.
ZEN Graphene will provide this project with $26,700 in materials, staff salaries, and access to its facility in Guelph.
In additions to these projects, ZEN Graphene is continuing with its own efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is developing a virus-killing graphene oxide-based ink, for application to personal protective equipment.
ZEN Graphene has already produced two sample batches of ink formulations, which are being tested in a Western University lab. However, the company has discontinued its collaboration with Graphene Composites, which it announced on April 30, 2020.
ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) is up 27.12 per cent and trading at 75 cents per share at 11:50am EDT.
