Dotz Nano finds graphene quantum dots effective in treating brain injuries, strokes and heart attacks
Dotz Nano has revealed new research that shows graphene quantum dots manufactured from coal can fight oxidative stress, which contribute to the development of some serious health conditions.
Technology specialist Dotz Nano (ASX: DTZ) is looking to commercialise its graphene quantum dots (GQD) after new research found GQD can be effective in treating brain injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis and heart attacks.
According to the company, a new study demonstrated that these dots, manufactured from coal, can assist in fighting oxidative stress to assist in treating patients suffering from the serious conditions.
Oxidative stress is a bodily imbalance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants. This stress can damage cells, proteins and DNA and can contribute to aging and the development of health conditions.
Led by Dotz scientific advisor Professor James Tour, the study was conducted by five universities and research facilities including Texas’ Rice University, with the findings covered by multiple medical publications.
“Carbon-based nanomaterials are known to be excellent scavengers of reactive oxygen species, or ‘free radicals’, which are often a contributing factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancer,” Dotz product development director Dr Yoni Engel explained.
“The research by Rice University and its research partners demonstrates that coal-based low toxicity GQDs can be successfully used to uncover diseases and fight oxidative stress in living mice,” he said.
In a market update today, Dotz said it is engaging with the medical industry and academic leaders to progress the possible use of its GQD products in biomedical applications.
Commercialising the technology
Dotz holds the exclusive licence for manufacturing GQDs from coal.
In today’s announcement, the company said it has reached commercial production capacity and is now engaging with medical entities to commercialise the technology in this market.
Dr Engel said cytotoxicity (toxicity to cells) and the ability to manufacture carbon-based nanomaterials in an efficient and reproducible manner have prevented their successful use in the market.
However, he said the new study findings, combined with Dotz’ commercial production capacities, “provides great opportunities for GQDs in various medical applications that can be explored in later research and possibly, treatments”.
In addition, Dotz chief executive officer Uzi Breier said the company is actively seeking commercial partnership opportunities within the medical market for both its biomedical and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
“This new study highlights the promising effect of GQDs in treating a range of serious medical conditions and Dotz has the manufacturing capability to cost-effectively cater to future commercial requirements,” Mr Breier said.
Dotz’ current products ValiDotz, BioDotz, Fluorensic and InSpec are considered effective in a range of applications including anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, liquids tagging (for tracing fracking fluids in the oil and gas industry, for example), polymers tagging and bio-imaging.