This proof of concept (PoC) project (acronym: BiofoulRepel) was concerned with extending the recent discovery in the PI’s group of repelling of biofouling agents including bacteria and proteins – by surface layers based on suitable phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Such liposomes act through the hydration layers, closely related to the topic of the main ERC project, HydrationLube, with which this PoC is associated, based on liposomes as lubricants acting through the hydration lubrication paradigm. Several aspects of the aims of BiofoulRepel were advanced as part of this project in its several workpackages. These included a pre-commercialization study, and activities aimed at identifying potential partners, networking, disseminating of information concerning the innovation, and identifying and meeting with potential customers and investors. The heart of the project was the proof of concept itself, which was successfully carried out and extended a wide-ranging patent application (‘Liposomes-containing antifouling compositions and uses thereof’) forming part of the basis of the project. The data collected is being used to refine a business model, and in particular to feed in to a new proposed company based on the existing and new IP generated and the precommercialization study. This company is in the process of establishment, in part as a result of this PoC project. Success of this should have broad economic as well as societal benefits: on the one hand in creating new technologies based on the IP associated with this project, and on the other hand in widespread alleviation of a major health problem (biofouling and associated costs, suffering and morbidity in hospitals) through application of these new technologies.
