Ensilitech

Ensilitech is a biotechnology start up spun out from the University of Bath in July 2022.

It has developed a patent-protected platform, known as Ensilication®, that stabilises biological molecules like vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, and genetic materials, by encasing them in a silica shell.

This protective silica layer preserves the structure and function of these biomolecules across a wide temperature range (from -80 °C up to +50 °C), allowing them to remain stable without refrigeration.

Rationale

Today, biopharmaceuticals rely on a 50-year-old global ‘cold chain’ system. This is a costly and energy-intensive system for refrigeration and freezing during transit and storage. Cold chain failures are reported to cost the pharmaceutical industry an estimated £26 billion annually. In developing economies, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that up to 50% of vaccines are wasted due to cold chain breakdowns, leaving millions without access to vital treatments.

EnsiliTech’s patented Ensilication technology preserves the integrity of vaccines, antibodies, and other biopharmaceuticals, eliminating the need for a cold chain, which allows medicines to be stored and transported at temperatures up to 50°C. This means that life-saving medicines can be transported anywhere across the globe, particularly to underserved regions where access to reliable refrigeration can be a major barrier to healthcare.