The funds will be used to develop MetalloBio’s novel antimicrobial coating technology for medical and non-medical applications. The project will allow MetalloBio to expand the team and employ an Engineering Research Scientist. The coating technology is currently at the proof of concept stage, efficacy has been shown across a range of pathogens. This project will optimise the prototype and apply the coating to a range of different materials, including catheter tubing and orthopaedic joint materials. Additionally, a broader range of pathogens will be studied, and the cytotoxic effects of the material.

The team at MetalloBio will work closely with High Force Research to scale up the synthesis of the additives for commercial applications.

Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, MetalloBio is focussing on the development of a novel antimicrobial platform technology to treat and prevent pathogenic, multi-drug resistant, Gram-negative bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. Currently, AMR is responsible for 1.2 annual fatalities, it is predicted by 2050 this could rise to 10 million deaths per year costing a £66 trillion loss to the global economy.

Kirsty Smitten, CEO of MetalloBio, said: “We are really happy to have secured this funding, we are currently in the prototype development stage with the coating technology and this funding will allow us to progress into preclinical for medical applications and biocidal product registration for non-medical applications.