Superfood helps fight superbugs

Australian start-up Kayban has collaborated with CSIRO to develop an antimicrobial healthcare range made from organic flaxseed oil.

Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with known antimicrobial properties. The company says independent tests have demonstrated that its range of topical lotions and washes, called Bio3 Guardian, are fast-acting and effective at killing the golden staph superbug (Staphylococcus aureus).

Kayban and CSIRO developed the method for extracting the crucial alpha-linolenic acid from organic flaxseed with the support of a Victorian Government Innovation and Technology Voucher.

“The challenge was to come up with a cost-effective manufacturing technology that consistently produced excellent quality, highly enriched alpha-linolenic acid,” said CSIRO organic chemist Dr Peter Duggan.

“What we’ve achieved is a smarter, more efficient process that’s been pivotal in Kayban’s journey to commercialising a unique saleable product.”

The technology has been transferred to Melbourne-based CSIRO spin-out Boron Molecular to extract the flaxseed component for Kayban on a multikilogram scale. Kayban will then work with another local manufacturer to formulate the end product.

Kayban Director Frank Palermo said Bio3 Guardian was a better way for preventing the spread of infection.

“Our products contain a unique antimicrobial formula that uses natural flaxseed oil properties, instead of ethanol, to kill bad bacteria while leaving essential good bacteria intact,” Palermo said.

“It’s a moisturising, all-natural alternative to ethanol-based products that can cause skin to dry and crack upon repeated use and increase chances of developing conditions like dermatitis.

“That’s going to benefit nurses, doctors and patients in hospitals and aged care homes who regularly need to use sanitisers and disinfectants to maintain hygiene or care for wounds.”