The Solution
Learning from the natural biology of the oceans and with the support of Unilever and its research partners, Penrhos Bio has developed a novel and sustainable solution to harmful biofilms. Our 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
The Solution
Learning from the natural biology of the oceans and with the support of Unilever and its research partners, Penrhos Bio has developed a novel and sustainable solution to harmful biofilms. Our 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
Bacterial communication systems are key in the formation and development of biofilms.
Bacterial communication systems are key in the formation and development of biofilms
The natural biology of Delisea shields the seaweed from unwanted microbial invaders by blocking communication between invading microbes. This prevents the biofilm forming at the outset, resulting in a surface that stays clean, thereby ensuring healthy growth. Unilever (with support from universities and bodies such as Innovate UK) has developed and optimised a biomimetic technology that mimics this natural ‘signal-blocking’ solution. 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.
Crucially, both research and commercial development shows the technology to be highly effective in preventing multi-species biofilms, including those that involve bacteria (Gram positive and negative), fungi and also algae.
Leveraging millions of years of Delisea’s evolution has therefore resulted in anti-biofilm technology capable of solving a number of industrial, consumer and healthcare problems. This approach also targets challenges in bacterial resistance, as well as reduction of environmental damage caused by microbial contamination, the hallmarks of a sustainable antibacterial strategy.
Penrhos Bio has the exclusive licence to this unique IP portfolio, including use-specific patents to exploit this technology across a range of targeted commercial applications.
The company was formed jointly in 2019 by Unilever and Innova Partnerships and has the exclusive licence to exploit innovative bioinspired anti-biofilm technology developed by Unilever and its collaborators over the past 12 years.
Our vision is a world free of harmful biofilms.
The natural biology of Delisea shields the seaweed from unwanted microbial invaders by blocking communication between invading microbes. This prevents the biofilm forming at the outset, resulting in a surface that stays clean, thereby ensuring healthy growth. Unilever (with support from universities and bodies such as Innovate UK), has developed and optimised a biomimetic technology that mimics this natural ‘signal-blocking’ solution. The result of this work is a substantial intellectual property portfolio based around a single novel molecule that highly effectively and sustainable blocks biofilm formation in a wide range of applications.
Crucially, both research and commercial development shows the technology to be highly effective in preventing multi-species biofilms, including those that involve bacteria (Gram positive and negative), fungi and also algae.
Leveraging millions of years of Delisea’s evolution has therefore resulted in anti-biofilm technology capable of solving a number of industrial, consumer and healthcare problems. This approach also targets challenges in bacterial resistance, as well as reduction of environmental damage caused by microbial contamination, the hallmarks of a sustainable antibacterial strategy.
Penrhos Bio has exclusive licence to this unique IP portfolio, including use-specific patents to exploit this technology across a range of targeted commercial applications.