Nanosene: Unlocking the Hardest Proteins in Biology

Among the startups attending SWEAT Africa this year is Nanosene, a science-driven company focused on translating academic research into practical tools for drug discovery and life-science research.

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.

 

Addressing a long-standing research gap

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.”

 

A new approach to membrane-protein research

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.

 

Early validation and growing adoption

Nanosene’s BzAM™ polymers are currently being evaluated by research partners across the UK and the US, 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.

 

Built in academia, scaling globally

Emerging from Stellenbosch University, Nanosene benefits from strong foundations in polymer science and membrane biology. This academic origin shaped the company’s early focus on building deep, defensible technology, followed by a deliberate shift towards becoming a globally oriented, independent biotech company.

 

Connecting through SWEAT Africa

Through SWEAT Africa, Nanosene is looking to connect with partners, investors and innovators interested in scaling African-born deep-tech internationally. The team sees opportunities for collaboration that support market access, manufacturing scale-up and broader adoption of advanced research tools across global life-science ecosystems.

By participating in SWEAT Africa, Nanosene reflects the growing pipeline of science-led startups emerging from the continent and contributing to international research and innovation.