Archer Exploration Ltd (ASX:AXE) has successfully printed and patterned ink formulations of human antibodies on graphene-based biosensor components derived from the company’s Campoona graphite.
Ink formulations comprised primarily of human antibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) as the active constituent were successfully prepared and printed using proprietary methods.
The IgG inks were printed on resin-coated paper and a number of graphene-based electrodes and were able to withstand the chemical and physical processes in the formulation, printing, and post-printing steps.
Background
Biological sensor devices are used in the detection and diagnosis of disease. The uniqueness of a biosensor is that its critical components are integrated into one sensor.
One of the biggest challenges to printable biosensors involves the scalable fabrication of integrated componentry capable of multiplexing – detecting a number of different diseases simultaneously using the same specimen.
The development of printable biosensors is envisioned to impact industries servicing human health, including point of care diagnostics and medical devices.
Archer CEO Dr Mohammad Choucair said: “We were able to formulate inks incorporating process compatible biomaterials provided by our German Biotech partners, and the team at the ARC Graphene Hub were able to print them on a number of our biosensor components.
“This concerted effort addressed a key technical barrier to realising a globally competitive biosensor, that of digitising the manufacturing of critical biosensor componentry that could allow for multiplexing.
“It has provided strong support for a number of claims in our provisional patent, which legally protects this competitive advantage and provides a means for commercial exploitation of the IP.”
Intellectual property and provisional patent publication
Archer’s provisional patent on the biosensor technology IP has been published in the Australian Official Journal of Patents.
The company is the sole applicant of the provisional patent, maintaining 100% ownership of the biosensor technology IP. Archer has until 15 February 2020 to consider maturing the application to a full patent.