In a bid to expand the global footprint of its health and wellness products, Myant Corporation, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is acquiring the Swiss companies Nanoleq and Osmotex and will set up a new European base in Zurich.

Nanoleq specialises in smart textiles and biosensing technologies and its advanced sensor capabilities will be integrated into Myant’s growing portfolio of medical devices. Nanoleq’s development of stretchable electrical cables, dry electrodes and biosensing technologies has resulted in the launch of Oxa, a  device which enables users to track their respiratory function, ECG, heart rate variability (HRV) and stress levels, providing real-time feedback on vital signs.

“Good health is at the centre of a productive life and Myant is now poised to drive further forward in the creation of personalised medical solutions that empower individuals to proactively manage their health,” said Myant CEO Tony Chahine. “The Nanoleq team is closely aligned with our vision and will accelerate our efforts to enter the European and Middle East markets.”

“Very few companies have succeeded in creating reliable, medical grade smart textiles, so Myant’s acquisition of Nanoleq marks an exciting new chapter for us and will significantly scale our activities,” added Vincent Martinez, CEO of Nanoleq. “Both companies share the vision that our healthcare model is outdated and people must be empowered to learn about their health before they get sick. Everyone in our society will benefit from improved prevention.”

Liquid management

Osmotex is meanwhile the developer of advanced technologies for moisture and liquid management in textiles and medicine and is being acquired following a joint venture phase. Its technologies enable precise control of moisture and particles in single microchannels, as well as in membranes and textiles with billions of such channels or pores.

For textiles and garments, the technology provides an ‘electronically controlled breathable membrane’ that can match human sweat rates under the most extreme conditions. This is set to be a breakthrough for protective gear and first responder garments by acting as a second skin, enhancing physiological comfort, performance and safety for the wearer.

In the medical field, Osmotex fabrics will be deployed as a second skin for optimal wound healing and next generation drug delivery systems. Diagnostic applications through fluid sampling, separation and analysis are also being developed.

“The Osmotex technology is a game changer in the vast field of moisture and liquid management,” said Chahine. “The technology provides a true second skin, directly influencing the physiological and microclimatic conditions of the wearer. Whether in smart wound dressings for fast healing or firefighter uniforms to prevent dangerous heat stress, it removes the limitations of current fabrics. Versions that extract humidity directly from the air add another dimension, with significant potential for energy savings and reducing material degradation.”

www.myant.ca