Serionix Profiled in Built in Chicago

Built in Chicago published an article on Illinois Ventures’ portfolio company, Serionix and their work to adapt their technology to combat COVID-19. The article, written by Tatum Hunter, notes that over time masks become less effective, putting wearers at risk. Serionix technology not only filters out toxins, but also changes colors as it becomes less effective, which would allow mask wearers to know when it’s time to replace their PPE.

“I’ve been through 2003 and SARS, and we saw that this would become a more global issue, and there would be a shortage of personal protective equipment for a really long time,” Serionix Co-founder Will Zheng noted in the article. His hope is that if all goes as planned, Serionix masks could be available in the upcoming months.

Serionix previously received a $750,000 contract from NASA to fund continued development of filters to remove toxic gases from next-generation spacesuit life support systems.

Serionix creates high-performance filters based on a proprietary adsorptive coating technology called Colorfil™, which changes colors as it removes toxic chemicals and odors from the air while killing viruses, bacteria, and mold. Through an intuitive, vibrant color change, Colorfil™ lets users know when the filters are working and when they aren’t. The same NASA-backed research on new spacesuit technology could also improve air quality in the homes of pet owners, as well as keep cars smelling fresh and filter contaminants out of the air in microchip manufacturing facilities.  

For the full Built in Chicago article, click here. To learn more about Serionix, click here.