Gestél Kuyler is a qualified polymer scientist, research manager of the Klumperman Research Group, co-inventor of Nanosene’s core technology developed during her PhD research (patent pending) and CEO of Nanosene (Pty) Ltd.
Her academic journey has been a reflection of her dedication, perseverance, and eagerness to embrace new opportunities and challenges. For her, success lies not only in one’s existing knowledge or skills, but also in continuously learning, evolving, and self-improvement. “The growth path is seldom smooth, but I have trusted the process, inquired when necessary, sought guidance when needed, and given nothing less than my best efforts,” says Kuyler.
Recently, she spent several months abroad studying and applying Nanosene’s core technology in a molecular pharmacology laboratory, focussing on the isolation of molecular drug targets while gaining first-hand experience with Nanosene’s target customers.
More about Nanosene
Nanosene (Pty) Ltd. designs and supplies polymers intended for molecular drug target research. In 2022, Nanosene embarked on its entrepreneurial journey with co-founders, Ms Gestél Kuyler and Prof. Bert Klumperman. Later, Dr Elaine Barnard joined the team as Technical Operations Manager.
More about the team
The team of skilled and knowledgeable scientists is dedicated to offering top-notch guidance and services to their clients, helping them achieve their research objectives and contributing to the advancement of therapeutic design.
“Nanosene is on a positive trajectory, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team and the outstanding scientific contributions of the researchers in the Klumperman group. The company is poised to take advantage of exciting opportunities shortly, which has energised both our team and potential clients and industry partners,” says Kuyler.
Co-founder of Nanosene, Prof. Bert Klumperman, is a world-renowned polymer scientist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the academic and industrial sectors. He has been leading an established research group for many years and has an expanding patent portfolio highlighting several impressive inventions. Prof. Klumperman’s expert scientific background, great communication skills, international connections and reputation are highly beneficial for Nanosene’s global reach, thus making him the ideal Chief Technology Officer. Dr Elaine Barnard is highly skilled in research and development, with a notable background in postdoctoral work overseas as well as experience within a science start-up. Dr Barnard’s impressive technical expertise renders her ideally suited for the position of Technical Operations Manager.
Transforming the world of polymer science
“Generally, technologies in the field of polymer science are related to high-volume, low-value manufacturing that requires significant manufacturing capabilities. With the advent of the exciting new polymer-bound Nanodisc technology, much focus is placed on low-volume, high-value products with a specific application. This is where we saw the gap and our opportunity to showcase the value of our technology without the need to construct a large manufacturing facility,” says Kuyler.
“Additionally, the Nanodisc technology opens a multitude of collaborative opportunities within the research community as well as commercial partnerships. Nanosene is the commercialisation avenue for all potentially profitable innovations developed within the Klumperman Research Group at Stellenbosch University through a recent Wellcome Trust Technology Development Grant.
Stellenbosch University, Innovus, and SU Launchlab have fostered the entrepreneurial mindset and idea realisation. Innovus provided vital technical and legislative support in protecting valuable intellectual property, setting up the company, managing all company secretarial aspects and providing general support. Launchlab offered a variety of entrepreneurial education programmes in a supportive and energetic environment, providing the boost of confidence and entrepreneurial insights necessary to tackle challenges head-on.
The future holds exciting things
Nanosene’s vision is to be recognised as the first bespoke polymer supplier from Africa by 2023 by creating sustainable research solutions across the globe. Their mission is to reinvent global health research through polymer innovation and to create unique solutions through collaboration.
Their core technology (co-inventors: Ms Gestél Kuyler and Prof. Bert Klumperman) is currently being evaluated for technical feasibility by one of the leading international Biotech companies highly involved in membrane protein/drug target research.
Entering an agreement with this key industry player is an excellent opportunity for Nanosene to collaborate with a well-known, trusted manufacturer and distributor. The product launch was held in October 2023 at the International SMALP conference in Knoxville, Tennessee – United States.
Reach out here:
Website: https://nanosene.com