Syngulon

Syngulon is a synthetic biology startup focused on bacteriocin-based technologies for biomanufacturing and health. The company uses bacteriocins — naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides — and their immunity systems to build tools for antibiotic-free microbial selection, contamination control in industrial bioprocesses, and precision antimicrobial therapies. It positions itself as a platform company rather than a single-product developer: its technologies are designed to complement existing industrial and pharmaceutical workflows and are made available to partners through licensing and collaborative development. Syngulon also emphasizes its "Startup in the Labs" model, combining an in-house technology portfolio with academic and industrial collaborations to translate bacteriocin biology into practical applications. Key Offerings Antibiotic-free selection : A patented, fully plasmid-based bacteriocin selection system that replaces antibiotic-resistance markers in E. coli production. It is designed to maintain plasmids continuously without chromosomal modification and to fit existing recombinant protein, plasmid DNA, enzyme, and other microbial bioproduct workflows. Contamination control : Bacteriocin-based solutions that selectively suppress unwanted microorganisms in industrial bioprocesses while preserving the production organism. These can be applied directly to a process or engineered into production strains for in situ protection. Therapeutic bacteriocins : Natural and engineered bacteriocins, including synergistic cocktails, developed as precision antimicrobials against bacterial pathogens. The platform is aimed at difficult-to-treat infections, including pathogens with antimicrobial resistance. PARAGEN bacteriocin collection : An in-house DNA library of natural and synthetic bacteriocins built to support screening, combination design, and future application development. It serves as a resource for identifying bacteriocins or cocktails suited to specific industrial or therapeutic needs. Core Values Precision : Syngulon repeatedly emphasizes the specificity of bacteriocins, using that selectivity to target unwanted microbes while minimizing disruption to production organisms or beneficial bacteria. Antibiotic reduction : A central theme is replacing antibiotic-resistance markers and reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics in both industrial and health-related settings. Synthetic biology innovation : The company applies sequence design, DNA and peptide synthesis, screening, and modeling to engineer bacteriocins and expand their functionality. Collaboration : Syngulon’s work is built around partnerships with academic laboratories and industrial partners, reflecting a translational and networked R&D approach. Unique Aspects Non-exclusive licensing with Elanco : In March 2026, Syngulon announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Elanco Animal Health, giving worldwide access to its proprietary bacteriocin-based microbial selection technologies. Patented selection platform : The company states that its antibiotic-free selection technology is protected by multiple issued patents, including US Patent 9,333,227, 10,188,114, 11,427,800, and 12,297,422. PARAGEN library : Syngulon is building a proprietary bacteriocin DNA library organized around industrial applications, intended to support both natural and synthetic bacteriocin design and cocktail development. Startup in the Labs model : Syngulon highlights a working model that embeds its technology development in close collaboration with academic labs and industrial partners, helping it move from discovery to application. Broad research network : Its R&D page shows collaborations across universities and research programs in Belgium and beyond, including work on bacteriocins, fermentation, contamination control, and therapeutic applications.