Nanosene Pty (Ltd) is the first bespoke polymer innovator and supplier in South Africa dedicated to developing and producing amphiphilic polymers to study specialised proteins that serve as molecular drug targets. Taking their innovation one step further, the Stellenbosch University (SU) spinout company has now introduced a novel BzAM Terpolymer Series to their polymer-based research portfolio, marking the transition of this foundational research into a commercially viable innovation with significant implications for the advancement of global healthcare.
This milestone was made possible through the support of SU’s Technology Transfer Office (Innovus) and SU LaunchLab, which have played a key role in commercialising Nanosene’s research and preparing it for market entry. Their guidance in intellectual property protection, business development, and industry engagement has helped to position Nanosene as a leader in polymer innovation.
“At Nanosene, our mission is to revolutionise global health research through polymer innovation, and the BzAM series is a testament to that vision. Designed as a next-generation alternative to existing commercial polymer nanodisc formulations, BzAM polymers offer enhanced functionality and customisability – key advantages for researchers, biotech, and pharma worldwide,” notes Dr. Gestel Kuyler, CEO of Nanosene.
Membrane proteins play a crucial role in cellular function and serve as primary drug targets for treating numerous diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. Traditional extraction methods often compromise the native properties of these proteins, making it difficult to study them accurately and slowing down drug discovery.
The BzAM Terpolymer Series overcomes this challenge by stabilising membrane proteins in their natural state, which allows for accurate studies that can lead to groundbreaking medical advancements. This technology will improve how researchers isolate and analyse these proteins, which can potentially accelerate the development of new, life-saving therapeutics.
Unlike conventional methods, e.g. detergents that can strip away the essential cellular components of proteins, BzAM polymers maintain membrane protein integrity, resulting in reliable research outcomes. Their unique tunable properties allow scientists to customise them for different protein types and advanced downstream applications, increasing the success rate of identifying promising drug candidates.
In a continent like Africa where cutting-edge medical innovations are limited, the BzAM technology will allow for faster, more accurate drug discovery, which will help reduce research costs and bring effective treatments to market more quickly.
With membrane proteins accounting for over 60% of drug targets, improving how they are studied and targeted could revolutionise medicine. The BzAM Terpolymer Series has broad applications, including drug discovery, structural biology and biopharmaceutical research.
Beyond drug discovery, the ability to fine-tune polymer chemistry expands opportunities in synthetic biology and biosensor development, paving the way for new innovations in biomedical research and diagnostics. This could stimulate an environment for innovations across disease detection, vaccine development, and even sustainable healthcare solutions.
Nanosene is actively forming partnerships to broaden the applications of BzAM polymers and future polymer developments. With the backing of Innovus and SU LaunchLab, Nanosene has been able to secure key commercial agreements, including a partnership with a leading European biotechnology firm that has already made BzAM (marketed as SMALP-BZ) available for purchase, with further international collaborations in progress. Looking ahead, Nanosene is developing specialised polymer formulations for targeted drug delivery, microscopy, and screening assays. Additionally, the SU-based research group is exploring applications beyond membrane protein research, such as an on-demand, reversible male contraceptive hydrogel.
As the polymer nanodisc technology continues to evolve, the potential to improve the quality of life for millions worldwide increases, reinforcing the power of innovation in addressing global health challenges and further cementing Nanosene’s role in shaping the future of medicine.
Read more about the work Nanosene does by clicking on the links below:
Bespoke polymers put SU start-up on map
Tunable Terpolymer Series for the Systematic Investigation of Membrane Proteins
About Nanosene (Pty) Ltd
Nanosene (Pty) Ltd is the first bespoke polymer innovator and supplier from Africa that focuses on developing and producing amphiphilic polymers to study specialised proteins that serve as molecular drug targets. This breakthrough technology can transform the world of medicine by empowering researchers and drug developers to explore new avenues for treating various diseases.
Nanosene’s technology produces polymers that act as indispensable tools for the solubilisation of intact and functional membrane proteins in nanoscale discs. This nanodisc technology offers researchers the unprecedented opportunity to access some of the most valued proteins in a biologically active state.