Screening and measurement of postbiotic enzymes in plant-based fermentations
DermBiont offers microbial screening and enzyme discovery services using its 16,000+ isolate library to identify high enzyme-producing microorganisms for plant-based fermentation. The platform targets carbohydrase enzymes such as cellulase, pectinase, invertase, xylanase, and alpha-galactosidase with applications in biorefining and health.
Overview
DermBiont is developing a screening platform that leverages its proprietary microbial library of over 16,000 isolates to identify microorganisms capable of producing valuable enzymes through plant-based fermentation. The focus is on carbohydrase enzymes, including cellulase, pectinase, invertase, xylanase, and alpha-galactosidase, which are known for cleaving specific bonds in complex carbohydrates and polysaccharides. These enzymes have established utility in the biorefinery industry and have also demonstrated health benefits, making them attractive targets for both industrial and therapeutic applications. By combining in silico strain identification with hands-on fermentation expertise, DermBiont offers a pathway from microbial discovery to enzymatic activity validation.
Technical specifications
Key capabilities:
- In silico screening of a 16,000+ isolate microbial library to identify strains that metabolize plant-based substrates
- Plate-based assays for initial detection of carbohydrase enzyme production from candidate strains
- Liquid quantitative assays to estimate in-process enzymatic activity for confirmed hits
- Substrate-specific assay development tailored to complex plant-based carbohydrates, modeled on established methods such as pectinase detection using citrus peel pectin
- Fermentation expertise spanning live bacterial products and postbiotics with demonstrated biological activity
- Access to a curated compound and organism library of known growth promoters and metabolically interacting microbes
Technology readiness level
The screening and fermentation capabilities are built on DermBiont's existing in-house expertise in producing live bacterial products and postbiotics. Plate-based and liquid assay methods for enzyme screening are well-established for specific substrates and will be optimized and finalized as new enzymes are identified. The platform is positioned at an early-to-mid stage of development, with proven infrastructure for microbial library screening and fermentation ready to support targeted enzyme discovery and validation efforts.
About DermBiont
DermBiont is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision dermatology treatments that address the root causes of skin diseases. The company utilizes a dual-platform approach to therapeutic development: a computational biology platform that analyzes skin microbiome data to create biotherapeutics, and a discovery platform dedicated to targeted small molecule therapeutics. By focusing on these well-defined mechanisms of action, the company aims to move beyond merely treating symptoms and instead provide effective cures for various dermatological conditions. Their lead candidate, SM-030, is a first-in-class topical PKC-beta inhibitor currently being advanced for the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders.
This research is significant for patients suffering from persistent skin conditions, as the company works to fill unmet needs through clinical programs that prioritize efficiency in both timelines and budget. DermBiont’s broader pipeline includes candidates for indications such as seborrheic keratosis, atopic dermatitis, and fungal infections like tinea pedis and onychomycosis. By combining expertise in small molecule development with innovative microbiome insights, DermBiont aims to become a leader in the commercialization of targeted topical therapeutics that improve skin health and quality of life for millions.
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