Rapid COVID-19 Test Uses Graphene-Enhanced Sensor to Produce Signal After Positively Identifying Viral Antigens

A new COVID-19 rapid test delivers accurate and reliable results in seconds using a graphene-enhanced sensor that produces a signal when exposed to COVID-19 viral antigens.

The graphene-enhanced sensor has been developed by Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC) Inc. (Alberta, Canada) together with its subsidiary GLC Medical (GLCM) Inc. for use in their Rapid COVID-19 Virus Detection Test Kit. The only of its kind saliva test eliminates the nasopharyngeal swab, all certified practitioner oversight requirements, does not require expensive equipment, and there is no cross handling which increases cross contaminations. GLCM's test directly detects the virus ensuring no false positive/negative results, unlike other tests which detect only the byproducts of infection and are therefore unreliable.

GLCM has completed development of the graphene-enhanced sensor used in the rapid test kit, which is an in-vitro diagnostic device that produces a signal when exposed to COVID-19 viral antigens. Following the achievement of the positive identification of the viral antigens, GLCM has commenced development of a functional prototype of the rapid-response test. GLCM's COVID-19 point-of-care test will offer a unique advantage over other tests as it detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus. GLCM's test has been developed to indicate a positive result only when the COVID-19 virus is present, allowing for direct and clear interpretation by the user. GLCM's rapid test is an "at the door" technology which is perfect before boarding a plane, entering a venue for a concert or sporting event, as it delivers instant results regaining confidences to bring us back to our "normal" before the pandemic. The company is advancing discussions with manufacturers and governments in several countries in order to facilitate production protocols reflective of their country's government regulatory compliance requirements.

"Graphene is the ideal sensing material. The 2D nature and conductive attributes of graphene make for an extremely sensitive material to detect any molecule," said Jason Deacon, Product Development Lead of GLC-GLCM. "I have investigated this principle extensively during my time at Cambridge University. At GLC-GLCM, we have made the surface highly specific to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to ensure that our rapid test will save lives. The study of 2D materials has been encased in academia for 15 years. Our team at GLC-GLCM believes that nanotechnology regarding 2D materials is critical to future technology and innovation, with graphene at the forefront".

"The success of this development offers the world a solution for COVID-19, and as our graphene is tailorable, we can offer a fast solution to future virus' in rapid modification of our graphene which will ensure we do not relive the major economic shutdown as experienced with COVID-19," said Donna Mandau, President & CEO for GLC-GLCM. "The inspiration for all of us at GLC-GLCM is to offer our graphene solutions for People and Planet. This rapid test brings family and friends together for times of joy free from fear of COVID-19. This test also brings family together in those times that we need to say good-bye to a loved one. No one should have to die alone again."

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Graphene Leaders Canada (GLC) Inc.