iCure Sustainable natural glycolipids for healthcare

We have developed a procedure to manufacture natural biosurfactant compounds for healthcare applications, including prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding and skincare. GI tract bleeding effects a high proportion of the population and is connected to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and colonic cancer. Morbidity/ mortality rates associated with GI tract bleeding are up to 10%. Biosurfactants are compounds produced by microbes with the ability to effect surface chemistry. They are currently used in a variety of industries, including the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. These natural compounds represent a more sustainable, less toxic alternative to synthetically derived surfactants. Antimicrobial and anticancer properties of biosurfactants have been documented. Our research has shown that certain types of biosurfactants significantly affect colonic tumour growth within cell lines, and GI tract bleeding in a mouse model. These compounds could be commercially exploited to provide preventative measures against GI tract bleeding. We also have preliminary results indicating their success in reducing skin melanomas. We foresee a route to market within the food or cosmetics sectors, incorporating these compounds into health foods / skin creams with possible marketing approval as medical food supplements. Long term there may be potential for a therapeutic intervention for GI Tract bleeding and skin cell cancer.