BIOSA Technologies invests over $1.2M to manufacture PPE material

A biotech research firm is investing over $1.23 million in the development, manufacturing and distribution of non-woven filtration material for N95 and N99 mask production and other PPE products.

More than $615,000 of the investment by BIOSA Technologies is being funded by the province of Ontario through its Ontario Together Fund.

The investment will help the company scale-up production of a textile material for use in personal protective equipment (PPE) products.

BIOSA developed a filtration product with a pore size that is a fifth the size of the pores in current N95 masks, providing reliable anti-viral and anti-bacterial protection even when wet, unlike current medical-grade masks.

Composed from excess agricultural waste, the material is resistant to humidity, can be worn for extended periods, is compostable and can be cleaned for future use. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the company developed material for the military, first responders and workers in environmentally hazardous jobs.

“We’re thrilled to receive OTF funding – we’ve been working hard to bring advanced manufacturing processes to Ontario and this investment has allowed us to build out our capabilities and bring much-needed materials to Canada’s local supply chain,” says Dr. Nicholas Ledra, CEO of BIOSA, in a statement.

“Through this investment, we can have an even greater impact through our advanced PPE material, as well as pursue novel applications of it for HVAC filtration in schools and hospitals. We’re excited to see where the technology can go.”