Canadian life sciences companies collaborate on medical grade biotech mask for COVID-19
by CM Staff
The objective of the project is to develop a reusable advanced protective facial mask for healthcare professionals
MONTREAL – Arylide Life Sciences Inc. and Axcelon Biopolymers Corp. in collaboration with the Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI) located in Collège La Cité, in Ottawa announced June 8 they have secured a research grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to develop an advanced protective bio-mask based on a patented bacterial nanocellulose technology.
The objective of the project under the special NSERC COVID-19 related program is to deploy a unique bacterial nanocellulose material embedded in an activated carbon matrix, coated with antimicrobial nanoparticles to develop a reusable advanced protective facial mask for healthcare professionals.
“The development of an advanced, 3D-printed, effective, antimicrobial and comfortable face mask for use particularly by medical personnel, was deemed to be an essential extension of our capabilities,” Chandra Panchal, CEO of Axcelon said in a prepared statement.
The project will be conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, part of the OARI led by Dr. Nathalie Méthot of Collège La Cité who bring expertise in microbiology (level II biosafety laboratories) in the Technology Access Center in Bio-Innovation (TAC-B) along with the 3D printing in the Center of Expertise in Smart Prototyping (CEPI).
