Using nanotechnology to quickly identify pathogens
Imagine if taking a coronavirus test was as simple as an alcohol breathalyzer, or a pregnancy test, and the results just as fast. One company has developed a test that uses molecular imprinted polymers with the possibility of detecting almost any pathogen, and is now using their technology to develop a way to detect for COVID-19 as easily as using a saliva test or a swab test.
Sixth Wave Innovations (CSE: SIXW | OTCQB: ATURF | FSE: AHUH) is a development stage nanotechnology company with patented technologies that focus on the extraction and detection of target substances at the molecular level using highly specialized ‘molecular imprinted polymers’ (MIPs). The target substances can be anything, such as pathogens (viruses & bacteria), gold, or anything made of molecules (that’s every substance).
Sixth Wave has technology to make a ‘polymer imprint’ for molecules including viruses. Sixth Wave is working to develop a molecular imprint for the coronavirus so they can capture the virus in their polymer and then apply various techniques to detect the virus such as colormetrics or electronics.
The company is working toward incorporating the technology into a mask so you could wear a mask that both protects and detects for COVID-19. Another concept is to have the MIP inside a coated barcode strip which you would then scan with your smartphone to see if you have been infected or not. (See: Sixth Wave working on a virus breath test.)
President, CEO and Founder Dr. Jonathan Gluckman explained that a “virus has a size and shape and we create an imprint in our polymer for that exact virus. Then we will detect that directly based on our chemistry.” He continued that Sixth Wave is “working to integrate this into masks and breathalyzers and then we can just utilize the breath, as we all know that’s the main transmission method. If you think about putting a mask on, not only will that mask provide protection, it can also, right there, be the test for COVID-19.”
Highlighting the advantages of Sixth Wave’s COVID-19 test over other tests, Dr. Gluckman also said that the test will be cheaper, faster, less invasive, and easy to use.
Dr. Gluckman says that Sixth Wave’s COVID-19 detection technology is currently under development, but the Company has successfully launched and commercialized other products with similar properties. The coronavirus tests are planned to be ready for an early 2021 rollout. The company has received a grant from the Canadian government to work with York University and the CTRI to use its virus detection technology to detect COVID-19 virus in wastewater supplies and in air handling systems.
Sixth Wave Innovations can detect and extract anything at the molecular level – Target markets include COVID-19 testing, gold extraction, and cannabis purification
Sixth Wave Innovations technology can be used for other applications
Gold extraction
IXOS® is a line of extraction polymers for the gold mining industry 100% developed and owned by Sixth Wave and patented/patent pending in 40+ countries worldwide. CEO Gluckman says the technology can save gold mining companies about US$100/oz on their processing costs based on pilot scale test results for multiple mines.
Sixth Wave Innovations IXOS® can save gold miners up to US$100/oz in gold processing costs
Source: Corporate presentation
Cannabis Purification
Sixth Wave is in the process of commercializing its AffinityTM cannabinoid purification system. The Affinity™ Technology for the medical and recreational cannabis industry is 100% developed and owned by Sixth Wave with a patent pending. AffinityTM products are now rolling out and starting to generate revenue for Sixth Wave, including an initial 300 Affinity units.
Other applications
Sixth Wave’s Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) have also been applied in industries including security (SAFE-T explosives detective wipes), mining (gold & silver extraction, also removal of mercury), and other pathogen detection. The potential list of applications is enormous.
Sixth Wave Innovations planned revenue streams
Source: Corporate presentation
Closing remarks
History has repeatedly shown how mankind makes incredible innovative technology during incredible times. Here we are facing one of this century’s greatest pandemics and scientists globally are racing to develop better diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines.
In the case of Sixth Wave Innovations it is fast-tracking the development of an innovative technology to detect and extract polymer molecules. They are now focused on adapting their technology to make a polymer imprint of the coronavirus that can, if successful, make COVID-19 detection as simple and fast as a breath test, whether on a test strip or even on a dual-purpose face mask. Imagine wearing a face mask that can also detect COVID-19. Sixth Wave’s COVID-19 detection technology targeted for early 2021, and if successful it will be a massive win-win for the public and also for Sixth Wave Innovations.
Meanwhile, Sixth Wave will be advancing their near term revenues from AffinityTM, and later hopefully from IXOS®. The current market cap of Sixth Wave Innovations is only C$21m thereby presenting a tremendous early stage speculative opportunity for investors.
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