Learning from Nature to Prevent Bacterial Communication
Many biofilms are harmful, resulting in shedding of bacteria, infections in people and animals and even accelerating the erosion and destruction of surfaces such as concrete and steel. Within a biofilm, microbes are exceptionally resilient and present a tremendous obstacle to intervention.
Penrhos Bio, is a clean biotech start-up, with the brand name Remora, formed by a collaboration between Unilever and a company called, Innova Partnerships, based in Scotland. Learning from the natural biology of the oceans, Penrhos Bio has developed a novel and sustainable solution to preventing harmful biofilms. Their platform technology solution is based on the natural way in which the red seaweed Delisea pulchra has evolved a sophisticated chemical defence mechanism against microbial contamination. Dr Richard Hammond, Penrhos Bio CEO said,
Red seaweed near Leigh, New Zealand.
“What’s really unique about the technology is, it’s a completely different way of preventing biofilms – rather than killing the biofilm, the technology interferes with the quorum sensing that prevents initial biofilm formation.”
The result of this work is an intellectual property portfolio based around a single novel molecule. That molecule effectively and sustainably blocks biofilm formation in a wide range of applications.
“We’ve had funding through Unilever from NBIC for a number of projects based in universities, where the results of the data has supported our commercial venture, which has enabled us to have discussions with potential commercial partners. This has been hugely effective, and is something we couldn’t have achieved without that support.”
“Since NBIC’s support, the data created and the evidence around the efficacy of the molecule and its potential applications has been really pivotal in raising funds for us.”
The company has been awarded Series A funding, raised over £2.5m of private investor support and have recieved support from Scottish Enterprise. They have recently taken on two new colleagues to support the commercial team and are now recruiting further colleagues in the R&D team.
“NBIC’s funding and support has been part of our core message and when talking to investors and to the public, having that support has been really important.”
“Going forwards, the advice and support of NBIC, in terms of helping identify and focus on our commercial areas and the support around regulatory work is ongoing, and that means a lot to us.”