The World’s first breakthrough has come from Unilever and Innova’s partnership, introducing an organic compound called Lactam, which can block or prevent bacteria and mold on everyday surfaces. The patented technology, which Unilever has been researching for over ten years, is developed from natural chemicals in seaweed biology and can be used in a range of situations, from preventing fungal growth in washing machines and dishwashers to self-cleaning banknotes.
Technology is based on seaweed, the ocean’s defense solution. The biotechnology company, Penrhos Bio, will scale anti-microbial solutions that could help tackle some of the biggest societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century. It represents a significant opportunity across multiple sectors, including healthcare, textiles, and marine, and could even be used in medical fields where microbial biofilms are a problem.
Professor Steve Howell, Founder of Innova Partnerships, said: “This is such an exciting and innovative space. We’re currently working with license partners for banknotes and dental applications, but there are so many more uses in which this technology could benefit.”
Dr. Neil Parry, R&D Programme Director – Biotechnology and Biosourcing, Unilever, explained: “This technology replicates the natural cleaning process of seaweed; keeping surfaces clean and repelling unwanted invaders from its immediate environment. This biology works in extreme conditions. It will keep working in dirty waters by blocking the communication between bacteria from colonization and building upon the plant’s healthy surfaces. This is what we have successfully replicated in the lab, and now we are ready to start trialing this in our Unilever cleaning products.”
