Exploitation of a novel fungicide for preventing fungal contamination and deterioration of products and materials

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences

Abstract

Fungi place major societal and economic burdens on the UK and globally, due to their pathogenesis and their biodeterioration of valuable products and materials. Countering the latter problem, the global biocide market is projected to reach $10.6 billion by 2020. However, tightening regulation and resistance to existing fungicides is driving a need for new technologies. A new, patent-protected fungicide technology arising from BBSRC-funded work at the University of Nottingham exploits synergies between pairs of agents that target fungal protein synthesis. This synergy is attracting the industry as it lowers the chemical dosages and risk of resistance. Our recent dialogue with several biocide companies has highlighted key challenges from this sector for us to address (e.g., efficacy within polymers, meeting biocide regulations), so they can pursue their interest in the technology. The aim of this proposal is to achieve that, in order to secure a licensing deal with an industrial partner.
 
Description Finding novel combinations of biocide-relevant agents (incl IPBC) and/or polymer materials which synergistically inhibit fungi that contaminate commercial products and materials. Selection of agents is also being informed with help of JSC regulatory consultants. Consulting also with Biocote ltd to help inform direction. Identified a selection of lead compound combinations, a mode of action and retention of antifungal synergy within a polymer matrix (alginate).
Exploitation Route Could be exploited to protect commercial products and materials from fungal growth and biodeterioration.
Sectors Construction

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

 
Description A subsequent focus informed by this project has been on bioactives free polymer technology for blocking fungal attachment. A patent application on that has been filed. An new BBSRC grant awarded, and in discussions with industry in tandem with testing of our materials by some companies
First Year Of Impact 2019
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Construction
 
Description Agri-Food Seeding Catalyst
Amount £10,000 (GBP)
Funding ID 510883 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2017 
End 02/2018
 
Description BBSRC IAA
Amount £24,324 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/S506758/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2018 
End 07/2019
 
Description EPSRC-GCRF Pump Priming
Amount £11,940 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/R512849/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2017 
End 03/2019
 
Description MICRA Commercialisation Development Grant Award
Amount £9,375 (GBP)
Funding ID CDGA 192040 
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2020 
End 03/2020
 
Description Newton Bhabha PhD Placement Programme
Amount £10,200 (GBP)
Funding ID 269661255 
Organisation British Council 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2017 
End 12/2017
 
Description Seeding Catalyst Award
Amount £10,000 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/SCA/Nottingham/17 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 07/2017 
End 02/2018
 
Title Materials chemistries and microtopographies and uses thereof 
Description Polymer materials that resist attachment of fungi 
IP Reference GB2002011.1 
Protection Patent application published
Year Protection Granted 2020
Licensed No
Impact Not yet
 
Description BBSRC-FAPESP workshop Sao Paulo, Understanding and managing resistance, including novel methods, for pathogen and pest control 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact BBSRC funded participation in this workshop in Brazil, to establish new partnerships
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Fungus-be-gone: polymers that block fungi - radio interview and podcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Radio interview and podcast. Broadcast live with BBC radio Cambridge, then developed to a Naked Scientist podcast
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description How to tackle problem fungi? new approaches from unlikely beginnings - UK Fungus Day 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A talk for "UK Fungus Day"
Increases awareness of fungi and their impacts among the general public incl policy makers
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.ukfungusday.co.uk/
 
Description Water resilience and food security in Ghana 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Intended to promote new research collaborations towards future funding opportunities, e.g., GCRF
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018