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Oral Health 
Bacteria found in the mouth can adhere to teeth and gums to form dental biofilms (plaque), which play 
a key role in the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Several NBIC research partners have 
collaborated with Unilever in this space. An earlier Proof of Concept project between the University of 
Southampton and Unilever focused on developing a model system to simulate the oral environment, 
supporting improved oral healthcare product development. More recently, scientists from Unilever’s 
Oral Care Group have partnered with the Universities of Nottingham and Liverpool to co‑supervise three 
PhD students. Two of these projects focus on developing realistic oral biofilm models, benefiting from 
the University of Nottingham’s advanced imaging capabilities, while a third explores the design of dental 
surfaces to combat oral biofilm formation. Funded through NBIC’s Biofilms Innovation, Technology and 
Engineering (BITE) Doctoral Training Programme, the students have already presented aspects of their work 
to Unilever teams and will gain further industrial experience through placements within the company. 
Sustainable Biotechnology 
The global fragrance market is projected to generate $64.47 billion in 2026, with perfumes forming a core 
product in the personal care and cosmetic sectors. Scientists working in this industry are keen to harness 
industrial biotechnology to move to more sustainable synthesis methods and to create natural fragrances. 
Biofilm-based bioreactors afford opportunities in this area and formed the basis of an NBIC-funded Proof of 
Concept project between Unilever and the University of Sheffield that developed a prototype biofilm device for 
continuous production and extraction of bio-based chemicals. For Unilever, this project led to patents being 
filed to cover the use of the new technology in the manufacture of ingredients for home and personal care 
products. These patents are now being explored for use with potential suppliers of biotechnology materials to 
prepare difficult and/or high-cost materials more efficiently for Unilever homecare and personal care products.   
Polliana Scaffa  
- Microbiologist and 
Biomeasurement 
Scientist
Craig Jones  
- Research Scientist
Dr Katherine Thompson 
- Research Scientist
Joanne O’Keeffe  
- Microbiologist
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