COVID-19 pandemic: An innovative, safe and effective bio-decontamination technology for non-toxic removal of biological agents, including coronavirus

Project Information

ABwipe

Grant agreement ID: 959436

DOI

10.3030/959436

Project closed

EC signature date 27 July 2020

Start date 1 August 2020

End date 31 January 2023

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 2 772 812,50

EU contribution

€ 1 940 968,75

Coordinated by

AQUILA BIOSCIENCE LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ABwipe (COVID-19 pandemic: An innovative, safe and effective bio-decontamination technology for non-toxic removal of biological agents, including coronavirus)

Reporting period: 2021-08-01 to 2023-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Aquila Bioscience Ltd. (ABL) is a Biomedical Research & Development SME which has developed an innovative Pathogen Capture Technology (PCT) that uses natural biomolecules to safely capture and remove pathogens.
ABL has developed a unique pilot product, the ABD Device, a cellulose based decontamination wipe that incorporates natural binders that can capture and remove all pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi and their mutants in a safe and effective manner. The technology consists of non-toxic chemicals that can be safely used on sensitive skin surfaces such as face, around the eyes, nose and mouth and mucosal surfaces to disinfect these ports of entry from pathogens.
Work Objectives:
• To develop the ABwipe, now referred to as the ABD Device, from a laboratory prototype to a commercial large-scale manufacturing environment.
• To obtain external verification of the efficacy of the technology from independent laboratories.
• To gain potential customer insights through pilot studies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Lab-scale prototypes of the ABD Devices were developed and transferred successfully to an in-house manufacturing process and pilot batches of >2,000+ units have been achieved.

Pilot studies have been carried out with potential customers and the ABD Device has been well received during these review and feedback sessions.

An external laboratory, NeoVirTech, demonstrated the ability of the device to effectively capture and remove between 99.9-99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 from human skin explants.

The product has been developed to be eco-friendly as it is largely made up of biodegradeable material and environmentally safe formulation ingredients.

Despite the travel restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, ABL and the ABD Device have been represented at a number of national and international conferences and media articles.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Currently, all disinfection and decontamination products are based on biocides and other toxic chemicals that have harmful effects on human skin, health and the environment. The ABD Device has the potential to change this reliance on toxic chemicals and alcohol based wipes worldwide. These developments, including the proven capture of SARS-CoV-2 from human skin, are being successfully translated into new technologies that can give a competitive advantage to EU industry, save and improve the lives of its citizens and also protect the environment.

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