MicroLub, a spinout from University of Leeds research, has secured a £3.5m seed funding to support the development of its fat and oil replacement technology.
The funding was led by Northern Gritstone, joined by other investors including LIFTT and NPIF II-Praetura Equity Finance.
MicroLub has developed unique scaffolds made of protein and water and coated by polysaccharides, to replace fats and oils without losing the mouthfeel experience.
The company aims to make foods healthier and to drive sustainability by supporting the alternative protein industry in making plant-based foods less astringent.
MicroLub founder professor Anwesha Sarkar said: “When we discovered the technology and tested lubricity, we knew it had many potential applications, which we can now explore with this investment led by Northern Gritstone.”
MicroLub CEO David Peters said: “There is a huge market opportunity in food for MicroLub.
“We already have strong traction with ingredients giants and some of the largest food and dairy companies, who are looking for innovative ways to make their products healthier, more nutritious and more sustainable.”
Northern Gritstone is an independent investment company founded by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield to support startups in the north of England.
Earlier this year, the investment company backed another University of Leeds spinout, dubbed adsilico, to scale up its ground-breaking work and accelerate life-saving benefits for patients.
In August this year, a £38m National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) was announced to develop planet-friendly alternatives to animal proteins.
The NAPIC will be hosted by the University of Leeds and joined by the James Hutton Institute, the University of Sheffield and Imperial College London.
Northern Gritstone CEO Duncan Johnson said: “Northern Gritstone is delighted to support MicroLub’s world-class team. Obesity is a challenge in many countries reducing the quality of life of an individual and often shortening it.
“MicroLub shows that innovation coming out of the University of Leeds has the potential to help solve these global challenges.”
University of Leeds research and innovation deputy vice-chancellor professor Nick Plant said: “This groundbreaking research is addressing a major global challenge while placing the UK at the forefront of the quest to reduce health inequalities.”
