Sixth Wave's (SIXW) accelerated molecular imprinted polymers (AMIPs) technology has detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
The test work was led by Dr. Michael Joyce, a senior research scientist at the University of Alberta's Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology.
The colour-based sensor testing used a pseudo-ELISA test format with a commercial off-the-shelf fluorescent dye. The fluorescent-based sensors demonstrated a significant signal compared to the negative control.
Sixth Wave is currently developing a wide range of AMIPs rapid detection devices for bacteria and viruses beyond COVID-19, including its SmartMask, smart-clothing, PPE applications, airborne sensors, breathalyzers, ELISA-based technologies and cartridge/lateral flow designs.
The company has filed patents for its AMIPs technology and its application to specific products.
Dr. Jon Gluckman, President and CEO of Sixth Wave, commented,
"In the span of just a few months, we have validated detection of the critical variants of the COVID-19 virus and have moved significantly toward detection levels that are clinically relevant. The continued successes in the development of the AMIPs platform are compelling and a testament to the work of the combined Sixth Wave and University of Alberta team.
By imprinting and detecting the whole virus, AMIPs can be highly resistant to virus mutation compared to technologies such as immunoassay-based techniques that use antibodies that bind a small region of the virus spike protein. The project is now focused on achieving additional sensitivity, and is testing selectivity against other viruses and potential interferents that would be present in clinical samples."
The company is not making any claims that its AMIPs product can detect COVID-19 (or SARS-2 coronavirus) at a commercial level at this time.
Sixth Wave's technologies focus on the extraction and detection of target substances at the molecular level.
Sixth Wave Innovations (SIXW) is down by 1.67 per cent and is currently trading at $0.295 per share as of 10:17 am ET.