- Archer Materials’ (ASX:AXE) graphene ink formulations have been printed and tested in a prototype device for biosensing
- This prototype is a key early-stage milestone validating the graphene inks function and uses for biosensor applications
- Should this be commercialised, Archer’s technology will potentially be capable of detecting diseases and bypassing traditional methods
- Despite the positive news, Archer’s shares are unchanged and trading for 13 cents
Archer Materials has announced it has progressed its graphene-based biosensor technology by building a first-phase prototype device.
This device will test the printing and performance of graphene inks produced from the inventory of Carbon Allotropes, Archer’s wholly-owned subsidiary.
Archer is developing a potential solution to printable biosensors capable of detecting diseases. This solution involves graphene which is currently the thinnest material known.
The company is collaborating with the University of Adelaide ARC Graphene Hub and a German biotech company to target high-growth markets and develop graphene-based materials for use in complex biosensor devices.
The global market revenue for biosensors is expected to grow to A$39.8 billion (US$27 billion) by 2022.
Archer CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair is pleased with the pace of the biosensor development.
“We have reached a key development milestone towards commercially exploiting the [intellectual property] underpinning the graphene-based biosensor technology,” Mohammad said.
“This achievement provides support for a full patent application, that would give Archer exclusive rights to commercially benefit from the IP,” he added.
Archer’s first-phase prototype graphene biosensor technology is built at the University of Adelaide.
To create the sensors, graphene inks are printed directly onto the electrodes. The graphene will then act as a sensing interface to detect biochemicals
Each prototype circuit board integrates an array of 32 gold-coated-nickel interdigitated electrodes, which are connected to a computer to monitor, test and collect data in real-time.
The company is focused on manufacturing a commercial graphene-based biosensor technology and a full patent application protecting the underlying materials technology IP.
This involves optimising ink formulations and their processing methods linked to the patent claims and identifying the relevant methods for the proper function of the technology.
Should the graphene-based biosensor technology be commercialised, it will bypass traditional wait times, requirements and lengthy processes in managing diseases.
Archer’s shares remain flat today and are trading for 13 cents each at 3:33 pm AEDT.