The role of Simris Biologics in the project will be to provide full-service R&D for the genetic engineering of cyanobacterial strains aimed at optimising the production and stability of phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant with many health benefit claims including boosting the immune system, inhibiting the growth of certain cancers and brain health. Owing to its intense blue colour, phycocyanin can be used as a natural food colourant, or as a natural dye for textiles, however the colour is not always stable. The goal of this research project is to producing a more colour-stable phycocyanin, thereby increasing its attractiveness as a colourant or dye in the food and textile industry respectively.

Simris Group CEO, Julian Read commented "I am delighted that HZB has awarded us this tender to support their project. It recognises our capability as a global expert in the genetic engineering of cyanobacteria, and highlights the value of our library of 1,200 cyanobacterial producer strains. The team in Berlin are ideally placed to optimise cyanobacteria strains to produce a more stable phycocyanin. Furthermore, through our involvement, Simris will be well placed to support the commercialisation of the developed technology.”