- ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) has begun researching how to incorporate its antiviral graphene ink into personal protective equipment (PPE)
- The company’s formulations for a virucidal ink, made in The University of Western Ontario’s biosafety lab, have shown positive results
- ZEN Graphene is now testing how the formulation’s dosage and delivery mechanism will impact effectiveness against COVID-19
- The company is also collaborating with research teams at PPE manufacturers on integrating the ink into commercial products
- ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) is up 1.72 per cent and is currently trading at C$0.59 per share
ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) has begun researching how to incorporate its antiviral graphene ink into personal protective equipment (PPE).
Earlier this year, the company announced that it was developing a virus-killing graphene oxide-based ink. The ink would be applied to PPE fabric, to further fortify the products against diseases like the COVID-19 pandemic.
While ZEN Graphene discontinued its original collaboration with Graphene Composites, the company has since continued its endeavour on its own.
Development of the virucidal ink took place at a biosafety Level Three laboratory inside The University of Western Ontario’s ImPaKT Facility. ZEN Graphene’s initial formulations have shown promising results, prompting the company to begin the next stage in research.
The company is continuing to test the formulation’s dosage and delivery mechanism for the highest antiviral impact. The next phase of testing, currently underway at the ImPaKT Facility, involves a mask fabric from one of ZEN’s collaborators.
The mask fabric is coated in the antiviral ink, exposed to the COVID-19 virus, and tested for its efficacy against it.
The company is also collaborating with research teams at numerous PPE manufacturers, on how to integrate the ink into fabric of commercial products. This includes products like masks, gloves, hospital gowns, and other protective clothing.
ZEN Graphene’s CEO, Dr Francis Dubé, commented on the progress that the company has made in this unique endeavour.
“Based on results so far, and our discussions with the team at Western, we are quickly moving to integrate our material into commercial products with partners who wish to increase the level of COVID-19 protection their products currently offer,” he said.
ZEN Graphene Solutions (ZEN) is up 1.72 per cent and is trading at C$0.59 per share at 2:51pm EDT.
