Sparc expands graphene product range with anti-microbial coating

Graphene applications company Sparc Technologies has demonstrated the effectiveness of its new anti-microbial coating in laboratory tests at Flinders University.

Results from the tests show the inclusion of a range of Sparc Technologies’ (ASX:SPN) graphene additives to an epoxy coating significantly improved the coating’s anti-bacterial properties.

In the case of one of the graphene additives evaluated in the tests, it resulted in the complete destruction of Escherichia Coli (E. coli) bacteria, a common, harmful bacteria.

“Following on from the very impressive results of earlier work achieved with anti-corrosive coatings, we are now seeing outstanding results with anti-microbial coatings, which encourages us to develop a product for a multitude of anti-microbial coatings applications in multi-billion dollar markets,” chief executive, Mike Bartels, said.

The successful tests add to a list of proven applications for Sparc Technologies’ graphene-based products such as in the recovery of precious metals and in the remediation of PFAS chemicals from the environment.

The company has also formed a special bio-medical business unit to develop graphene-based medical technologies, the first of which is a graphene-based breath sensor to detect illness in humans.

Widespread applications for coatings products

The laboratory tests on Sparc Technologies’ graphene additives in epoxy coating systems was undertaken at Adelaide’s Flinders University using methodology in international standard ISO 22196.

Further laboratory tests are scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of the company’s graphene coatings technology in repelling additional bacteria and viruses.

Sparc Technologies’ graphene-based anti-microbial coatings systems have applications in areas where the control of bacterial growth on surfaces is important such as hospitals, public areas, food preparation facilities, drinking and wastewater systems and anti-fouling for ships.

“Once again, graphene is continuing to demonstrate its unique properties that impart significant improvements to the graphene applications that Sparc is developing,” said Bartels.

The company joined the ASX market in November after a $4m capital raise and is working to commercialise patented graphene technologies developed by Adelaide University.

This article was developed in collaboration with Sparc Technologies, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.