Lixa exists to solve the global problem of antimicrobial resistance.
We reinvent and develop the future of antimicrobial technologies for human, animal, plant, marine and industrial applications.
The problem with antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
In the past, antimicrobials were developed to fight bacteria in their planktonic (or free-floating) state. Unfortunately, this is ineffective for dealing with 80% of longstanding bacterial problems, and it was a critical factor in the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Bacteria prefer to live in communities protected by a slimy biofilm coating. The film increases the bacteria’s survival rate by shielding it from antimicrobials and the immune system.
It is a century-old problem that underlies recurring bacterial infections and contaminations on any surface, whether a ship’s hull, a water filter, bodily tissue, or surgical implant.
Since bacteria have developed resistance to antimicrobials, we must find new ways to fight them using antibiofilm technologies. If we break down the protective biofilm, bacteria become detached and exposed, vulnerable targets for our immune system or antimicrobials to abolish the infection.
Biofilms are common. The plaque on your teeth, the scum floating on top of a pond or the sticky surface of fruit are just a few examples of biofilms.
In most cases, biofilms are incredibly difficult to remove. It is why counteracting them is so expensive.
It is estimated that biofilms cost:
Biofilms are everywhere
US$500 Billion
to US Healthcare system yearly
10% loss
of global food production
40% loss
of potential hydropower turbine efficiency
40% extra
in fuel consumption for ships
5-10% loss
in marine aquaculture production
The solution:
Neo X antibiofilm technology
1 Romling et al, 2014. Microbial biofilm formation: a need to act. J Intern Med. 276(2):98–110.
2 https://www.paconsulting.com/insights/rise-to-the-biofilm-challenge/
3 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274139244_biofilms_and_biofouling_cost_and_effect_on_drinking_water_quality_for_human_development
4 https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_244370_smxx.pdf
5 Fitridge et al 2012, The impact and control of biofouling in marine aquaculture: a review. Biofouling 27(7): 649-669
