Gold Coast-based Cluster Biotechnology develops powerful disinfectant for fight against COVID-19
A Gold Coast company has made stunning gains during the COVID-19 crisis. READ THE FULL REPORT
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A POWERFUL disinfectant inspired by plastic waste and effective against COVID-19 is the latest discovery to come from the $5 billion Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The precinct, which includes Griffith University, two hospitals and innovation space Cohort, is home to 15,000 workers.
Two of those are world-leading researcher in magnetic resonance (MR) technology Professor Carolyn Mountford and social robotics expert Professor Wendy Moyle.
Cluster Biotechnology, led by CEO and founder Gustavo de Cerqueira, joined Cohort in May and recently received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administation for an innovative disinfectant.
Cluster works in the areas of food technology, human and animal wellbeing, public health and agtech using molecular microbiology to develop innovative products to help with the prevention and treatment of diseases, performance and wellbeing.
Dr de Cerqueira said the latest product was developed by chance after a subsidiary of Sunshine Coast-based Plastec Australia called Clinotec approached them to analyse a clear liquid emerging from discarded plastic in its factory.
MORE NEWS
Future Gold Coast: City leaders give their view on future
The company had noticed there was mould growing everywhere except from where this liquid was present.
“Some of that plastic that was in contact with water, there was a liquid coming out of it,” he said.
“They wanted us to explain what was happening.”
Dr de Cerqueira and his team, also working with researchers at Macquarie University, discovered the hydrocarbons in the plastic contained powerful antimicrobial properties.
When the toxic elements were removed, they produced water-soluble compounds that could be used in a liquid disinfectant.
He said it was tested and found to be effective against all tested pathogens including COVID-19 and drug-resistant biofilms.
Dr de Cerqueira said the next step was to commercialise the product with Clinotec and market it in Australia and overseas.
He said Cluster’s location within the Health and Knowledge Precinct and Cohort was of huge benefit to his team of researchers.
“People are learning about Cohort a lot more because we are definitely raising our profile and making a tremendous contribution.”
Cohort CEO Ben Howe said the precinct was serving to boost the Gold Coast’s reputation as a place of hi-tech development, research and collaboration and emerging industries.
“The work that Cluster Biotechnology does delivers outcomes locally, nationally and internationally and the Gold Coast should be proud that these discoveries are taking place in our own backyard,” he said.
Fresh details revealed about cableway plans
Mayor Tom Tate has revealed fresh details of plans for a cableway to the hinterland, saying he hoped tourists would soon be able to catch a ride to the top of Mt Tamborine. Here’s what we know so far.
Disappearing act: Cash gone as magician’s company in liquidation
A company directed by a veteran Gold Coast magician and entertainer has gone into liquidation, with the performer unable to pull any money out of his hat for the tax office.