- ZEN Graphene Solutions (TSXV:ZEN) is collaborating with UK-based Graphene Composites to fight the COVID-19 health crisis
- Together, the companies will develop a potential virus-killing graphene-based ink for face masks
- After confirming its ability to kill the virus, the companies will incorporate the ink into fabrics used for protective equipment
- ZEN Graphene was trading for C$0.31 per share at yesterday’s market close
ZEN Graphene Solutions (TSXV:ZEN) is collaborating with UK-based Graphene Composites to fight the COVID-19 health crisis.
The companies are working together to develop a graphene-based composite ink that can kill the coronavirus. The potentially virucidal ink could increase the protective capabilities of fabrics used for personal protective equipment (PPE).
ZEN Graphene and Graphene Composites’ collaboration has already produced promising results. The companies have synthesised a silver nanoparticles functionalised graphene oxide ink at a lab in Guelph, Ontario.
Researchers have documented the ink killing earlier versions of the coronavirus, although its effect on the COVID-19 strain is unknown. Efficacy testing of the ink will take place at Western University’s ImPaKT Facility Biosafety Level 3 lab in Ontario. The companies will also test the ink against Influenza A and B at labs in the UK and US.
ZEN’s CEO, Francis Dubé, commented on the partnership.
“The development of this potential COVID-19 virucidal graphene ink is coming at a crucial time to provide effective PPE supplies for the safety of frontline workers and hospital staff.
“The current N95 masks trap the virus but don’t kill it. Testing will demonstrate if the graphene ink is an effective virucide, which would make a big difference to people’s safety,” he said.
Graphene Composites’ CEO, Sandy Chen, also welcomed the collaboration.
“Combining the deep nanomaterials expertise of GC and ZEN with a truly collaborative approach has enabled us to do a year’s worth of R&D in a matter of weeks. Quickly developing and deploying our virucidal/germicidal ink would make a significant difference in slowing the rate of infection – thus saving many lives,” he said.
ZEN Graphene was trading for C$0.31 per share at yesterday’s market close.