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

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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.