Unlocking the Hardest Proteins in Biology
Nanosene, a startup that attended SWEAT Africa 2026, is focused on translating academic research into practical tools for drug discovery and life-science research.
Photo supplied: Dr. Geste?l Kuyler and Dr. Elaine Barnard in the laboratory
Founded on PhD research from Stellenbosch University, Nanosene was created to address a persistent challenge in biomedical science: the reliable study of membrane proteins. These proteins play a central role in human biology and are the basis of many important drug targets, yet they have long been difficult to analyse using conventional techniques.
According to CEO, Dr Gestél Kuyler, Nanosene was established to bridge the divide between promising academic innovation and technologies that can be deployed effectively in real laboratory settings. “We set out to enable stable, functional study of membrane proteins that are poorly served by existing methods,” she explains. “Our focus has been on moving beyond proof-of-concept science to deliver robust, accessible technologies that generate reliable, actionable insights.”
Nanosene’s polymer nanodisc technology enables researchers to extract and stabilise membrane proteins directly from their native environment, without relying on harsh detergents. By preserving the proteins’ natural structure and function, the technology supports more reliable data and opens up experimental approaches that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Nanosene’s BzAM™ polymers are currently being evaluated by research partners across the U.K. and the U.S., including universities and applied research environments. These collaborators are using the materials in structural biology, functional assays, and drug-discovery workflows, providing independent validation across a range of research applications.
The company has also partnered with a leading biotech and contract research organisation in Germany to bring its first polymer-based products to market, marking an important step towards commercialisation.
Emerging from Stellenbosch University, Nanosene benefits from strong foundations in polymer science and membrane biology, shaping its transition into a globally oriented biotech company.
Reflecting on SWEAT Africa 2026, Nanosene COO, Dr Elaine Barnard, notes: “SWEAT Africa didn’t just create visibility, it created traction. It accelerated meaningful conversations with partners across biotech, manufacturing and investment, and validated strong interest in our technology. Most importantly, it converted early awareness into real momentum, directly supporting our next phase of fundraising, scale-up and market entry. Pitching as part of the OST BRAIN 5.0 cohort also reaffirmed the value of what we are building, with the energy and engagement from the community translating into tangible opportunities, including new team connections.”
News date: 2026-04-07
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