Dr Wallace Bridge
Senior Lecturer BABS
I have 24 years academic and industrial experience in bioprocessing based R&D in Australia and overseas (Italy and UK). My major research areas have included the development of microbial fermentation-based processes for the production of ethanol, ephedrine, nisin, isoprenoids, enzymes, lactic acid bacteria, bakers yeast; and yeast extracts. I have also investigated and developed biocatalysis-based processes for the production of cephalosporin C, trehalose, and thiol antioxidants.
In early 2006, our PCT patent application covering the biocatalysis technology for the manufacture of gamma-glutamyl cysteine (GGC) was licensed to Biospecialties Australia Pty Ltd (BSA) by the UNSW commercialisation arm, New South Innovations Ltd (NSi). The GGC product has broad potential market applications as a dietary supplement, cosmetic ingredient, functional food ingredient, and possibly as a therapeutic for a large range of clinical disorders and diseases.
BSA was started up specifically to commercialise the technology and in mid 2006 constructed a pilot plant at its factory in Newcastle to develop the technology for industrial scale-up. These pilot studies were supported by a $1.16 million AusIndustry Commercial Ready grant awarded in late 2006. At present, the process has been validated and optimised; the pilot plant scale has been increased to semi-commercial; the nature identical GGC has been demonstrated to be safe in animal models; efficacy trials in animals are underway; and human trials (cosmetic applications) are scheduled for late 2008. BSA has commercial partners operating in all key immediate target markets, and they are assisting with the development and evaluation of the various GGC applications.
Future UNSW based research will explore adapting our biocatalytic approach to a range of other gamma-glutamyl linked peptides that also have significant market potential.