One step closer to self-cleaning surfaces

Unilever and Innova Partnerships have established a joint venture, Penhros Bio, to commercialize a technology that prevents micro-organisms from growing on different surfaces.

Dr. Neil Parry, Director of the R&D program at Unilever, explains: "This technology mimics the natural cleaning process of seaweed; it keeps surfaces clean and repels unwanted intruders from their immediate environment. This biological technology works under extreme conditions to keep it working in dirty water by blocking communication between bacteria, preventing them from colonizing or accumulating on healthy plant surfaces".

Lactam

The first breakthrough in the world came with the introduction of an organic compound called Lactam that can block or prevent bacteria and fungi on everyday surfaces. Dr. Jon Hague, Unilever's Vice President for Science & Technology, Unilever Homecare said: "The commercialized use of Lactam offers a major opportunity for cleaning products worldwide and can revolutionize the industry.

Professor Steve Howell, founder of Innova Partnerships said: "We are currently working with licensing partners for banknote and dental applications, but there are so many other fields where this technology could benefit".

unilever.com