- Archer Materials (AXE) progresses early-stage assembly of components for its biochip which is being developed to detect communicable diseases
- The company’s ‘lab-on-a-chip’ technology is being designed to allow analysis of tiny amounts of liquid or gas samples such as saliva, blood and breath
- Current work is focused on strengthening and expanding nano and micro-fabrication capabilities, which AXE says presents a challenge to commercialising the biochip devices
- Archer has miniaturised microfluidic channels, marking a step towards developing an aspect of the device needed for future operation of the biochip
- Shares have been trading 5.6 per cent higher at $1.69
Materials technology company Archer Materials (AXE) has begun early-stage assembly of components for its biochip which is being developed to detect communicable diseases.
The company’s ‘lab-on-a-chip’ technology is being designed to allow an analysis of tiny amounts of liquid or gas samples, such as saliva, blood and breath.
Currently, work is focused on strengthening and expanding the nano and micro-fabrication capabilities of the tech, which AXE said is a significant technological challenge to commercialising the biochip devices.
Specifically, hair-thin channels are required within the biochip to allow sample processing and transportation of samples.
For the first time, AXE has reportedly fabricated micro-fluid channels necessary for these processes on a silicon wafer, demonstrating the fabrication, miniaturisation, and integration of critical biochip components.
According to the company, the channels are about three times thinner than a human hair and mark a step forward in early-stage development, demonstrating the potential for increased compatibility with functions needed for the future operation of the biochip.
Archer’s CEO Mohammad Choucair stated that the team had been “ultra-focused” on this aspect of the development progress.
“We have demonstrated miniaturisation with deliberate, precision control of nano-sized components fabrication and positioning for integrating bio-sensing functions on chip substrates, which Archer ultimately aims to translate into a sophisticated and unique biochip technology,” he said.
Shares were trading 5.6 per cent higher at $1.69