Zentek sets its sights on treating skin conditions as it expands potential uses for its ZenGUARD graphene coating

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, we have seen how the risks of disease transmission have also increased. In response, companies like Zentek Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZTEK | TSXV: ZEN) are leveraging cutting-edge nanotechnology to develop new ways of protecting people from harmful pathogens. It is dedicated to researching and developing new technologies, specifically around nanomaterials. Their graphene-based solutions have the potential to revolutionize many industries beyond healthcare, including electronics, energy storage, water treatment, and more. They have partnered with leading companies in each of these sectors to commercialize their technology.

This need is why Zentek created an antimicrobial coating known as ZenGUARD™, a proprietary graphene-oxide silver compound shown to be highly effective at filtering out bacteria and viruses. The product has been measured to filter 98.9% more bacteria and 97.8% more viruses than standard surgical masks.

Recently, Zentek’s team has been focused on commercializing the patent-pending ZenGUARD™ coating. InvestorIntel’s Tracy Weslosky recently spoke with Zentek CEO and Director Greg Fenton about their current efforts and their recently announced success of its commercialization efforts.

Zentek announced that it has entered into a Reciprocal Supply Agreement on March 31, 2022, with EkoMed Global Inc., an international manufacturer and distributor of personal protective equipment (PPE). In this agreement, Zentek will sell quantities of its coated material to be used initially for surgical masks made by EkoMed and eventually other PPE in the future. Zentek continues to work to expand its network of partnerships and is looking to get FDA approval for ZenGUARD-coated products.

In July Zentek filed a provisional patent on the use of ZenGUARD as an anti-inflammatory agent for dermatological conditions. Further expanding its potential as a dermatological product, it is currently being researched for treatment of various skin conditions, including both infectious and inflammatory conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, warts, seborrheic dermatitis and toenail fungal infections.

Zentek is also positioned strategically from a supply chain perspective. The Albany Graphite project is located in Northern Ontario, Canada, and they own 100% of the project. The graphene from this source has a combination of graphite purity, particle size, and consistency which could make it ideal for certain solutions. This project could be a significant advantage as Zentek continues to develop graphene-based solutions for various industries.

As the ZenGUARD brand is based on graphene, controlling their own source of graphene can lead to cost and quality control advantages. Their team is also developing surgical masks, HVAC filters, personal protective equipment, rapid detection point of care diagnostics tests, and pharmaceutical products that are all based on graphene-based compounds.

Zentek could have large potential upside if it can capitalize on its technology. They are well positioned to continue growing their business through a combination of strong IP protection, continued innovation, and strategic partnerships. The key will be whether Zentek can continue to expand the market for its ZenGUARD coated products and partner with enough manufacturers to win enough market share in Canada and abroad.