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.
Organisations
Publications
Avery, S.V.
(2020)
Tackling fungal contamination and food spoilage
He Y
(2021)
Inkjet 3D Printing of Polymers Resistant to Fungal Attachment.
in Bio-protocol
O'Brien DM
(2019)
Epoxy-amine oligomers from terpenes with applications in synergistic antifungal treatments.
in Journal of materials chemistry. B
Vallieres C
(2020)
Discovery of (meth)acrylate polymers that resist colonization by fungi associated with pathogenesis and biodeterioration.
in Science advances
Vallières C
(2018)
Novel Combinations of Agents Targeting Translation That Synergistically Inhibit Fungal Pathogens.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Vallières C
(2020)
Repurposing Nonantifungal Approved Drugs for Synergistic Targeting of Fungal Pathogens.
in ACS infectious diseases
Vallières C
(2021)
Potentiated inhibition of Trichoderma virens and other environmental fungi by new biocide combinations.
in Applied microbiology and biotechnology
| 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 |