Why Aquapharm

The idea of exploring the potential of the marine microbial world to provide new and unseen medicines and also solutions to industrial processes was developed by its founders before the company was created in 2000.

Aquapharm has developed unique technology in the discovery and isolation of new microbial species & specialises in enhancing their ability to produce novel compounds. 

The company has developed knowledge of the mechanisms of bacterial communities & structure that allows for their design to enhance the discovery of new molecules that are applicable in pharmaceuticals & industrial processes.

Located in purpose built facilities on the west coast of Scotland, Aquapharm is exceptionally well placed to exploit the highly diverse and productive UK waters.  Scotland alone has the World’s 3rd largest coastal index behind Norway and Fiji.  Access to this rich natural resource has allowed Aquapharm to establish the largest, independent & commercially available library of novel marine bacterial and fungal species in the UK.

Why the Marine environment:

The marine environment covers three quarters of the surface of the planet; is estimated to be home to more than 80% of life and yet it remains largely unexplored. The Oceans contain a hugely diverse range of environmental niches characterised by extremes in temperature, pressure, exposure to radiation (UV) and chemical stress mechanisms. This environmental pressure has in turn led to the evolution of a range of animal and plant life not matched in any terrestrial ecosystem. The oceans are a natural progression in the development of new pharmaceuticals as most drugs in the market have been derived from natural products isolated from terrestrial plants, animals and microorganisms.

Why Microbes

Bacteria have been evolving for the last 3 billion years and respond to these pressures by developing elegant and rapid systems of adaptation and survival. To date, less than 5 % of the available marine bacteria and fungi have been successfully cultured providing an excellent opportunity for Aquapharm to discover new chemical classes with novel biomedical and industrial applications.

The ability to produce the desired products, cost efficiently, through bio-fermentation is another benefit of the microbial system & unlike plants there is rarely a requirement for the expense of light. This can also result in the products being organically produced & marketed.   In addition, the collection of microbial organisms is sustainable and has no negative impact on the environment.

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