Innovative enzymatic biocides offer targeted treatment against fungi and Staphylococcus biofilms, addressing scalp dysbiosis such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. These enzymes are versatile, functioning in both dry and aqueous formulations, and can be integrated with other topical treatments.
The enzymatic treatments developed by Lytos Technologies aim to restore healthy scalp microbiomes by targeting and reducing the presence of fungi and Staphylococcus biofilms, which are often associated with conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The solution leverages two specific enzymes: a fungicidal enzyme that degrades the glucosamine-rich cell wall of Malassezia, and an antibacterial enzyme effective against Staphylococcal biofilms. Together, they offer a comprehensive solution to manage and potentially eliminate persistent dysbiotic communities on the scalp.
These enzymes retain their full activity in dry powder form and are effective when redissolved in aqueous or gel formulations, making them compatible with a variety of topical applications, including those that incorporate detergents. The fungicidal enzyme is designed to inhibit fungal growth and induce cell death by breaking down the cell wall, while the antibacterial enzyme removes biofilms without lysing the cells, ensuring no release of pathogenic cell contents. The enzymes have been validated for stability across various conditions, including different pH levels and temperatures, and have shown efficacy in multiple application areas such as food safety and agriculture.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, these enzymatic treatments have undergone initial validation in laboratory settings. Preliminary toxicology studies indicate a low-risk category, and scalable biomanufacturing processes have been developed to meet regulatory requirements. Further validation is planned to explore their efficacy in more complex formulations and real-world conditions, with the potential for integration into market-ready scalp care products.
Lytos Technologies is a biosolutions platform company that engineers biology to address persistent challenges across water, food, agriculture, and health sectors. The company utilizes its proprietary LytosBI platform, which integrates computational modeling, data-driven design, and molecular biology, to develop technologies that dismantle biofilms and neutralize microbial pathogens. By focusing on fundamental biological mechanisms, Lytos creates targeted alternatives to traditional chemical approaches, aiming to provide solutions that are safer, more sustainable, and capable of performing in complex real-world environments. The company's core scientific foundation stems from research into novel anti-biofilm enzymes, which allow for the advancement of laboratory-validated innovations into scalable, field-ready biosolutions.
The company collaborates with industry, government, and institutional partners, such as the USDA and the University of Virginia, to translate scientific breakthroughs into practical applications. This partnership-driven approach ensures that their developments meet specific real-world requirements for performance, safety, and deployment. By replacing or enhancing conventional chemical methods with biological intelligence, Lytos seeks to resolve critical issues ranging from crop yield protection and food safety to environmental contamination, helping customers and stakeholders manage risks in diverse operating conditions. Through its efforts, the company aims to foster a healthier and more sustainable future by expanding the capabilities of engineered biology.