Greg Fenton Discusses ZenGUARD™ Antimicrobial Coating and Military Interest in Zentek’s Aptamer Technology

May 16, 2024 — In a recent interview with InvestorNews host Pat Bolland, Greg Fenton, CEO and Director of Zentek Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZTEK | TSXV: ZEN), discussed the company’s innovative strides in nanotechnology and environmental sustainability, particularly focusing on their product ZenGUARD™. Developed in response to the pandemic, ZenGUARD™ is an antimicrobial coating designed to enhance the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) and HVAC filters. Fenton detailed the product’s development timeline, noting that by fall 2020, ZenGUARD™ was 99.9% effective against SARS-CoV-2 and about 30 other pathogens. Highlighting a case study conducted with the City of Toronto, Fenton revealed that using ZenGUARD™-coated MERV 9 filters instead of MERV 13 filters could lead to annual cost savings of nearly $40 million, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and decrease landfill waste by approximately 947 dumpsters. “Our aim is to help control infectious aerosols within existing HVAC systems without significantly increasing energy consumption and emissions,” Fenton remarked. Fenton also touched on the regulatory process, mentioning that while ZenGUARD™ is approved for use in surgical masks, it awaits approval from Health Canada’s Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency for HVAC applications. Zentek is in the process of scaling up production to meet anticipated demand. “Based on the modeling that we’ve done and the value proposition associated with it, this product is almost selling itself,” Fenton noted. Additionally, Zentek plans to initially sell directly to customers but aims to establish white-label agreements with HVAC manufacturers for broader market penetration. The conversation also explored Zentek’s advancements in aptamer technology through their subsidiary, Triera Biosciences, which is developing synthetic antibodies for various pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Fenton emphasized the potential for expedited military interest in their aptamer technology, given its rapid adaptability to emerging bio-threats.