The company specialises in the development of probiotic strains that have applications in the cosmetics, nutrition, health care and pharmaceutical industries.
Investment from Dr Bernd Wegener, the details of which have not been disclosed, will allow the company to continue developing functional ingredients for the cosmetics field, spokesperson for the company, Kristin Ebert, explained.
In addition to the monetary investment, Wegener will also play an active role in the company’s development.
“With innovative, patentable microorganisms and their active principles, we will be able to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic concepts and procedures particularly for hitherto inadequately treatable indications,” Wegener said in a statement.
Referring to the company as a leader in the field, Wegener said OrganoBalance had untapped potential that could be unlocked with the investment.
Probiotics for oral care
One of the company’s recent projects in the cosmetics and personal care field includes a probiotic ingredient for oral care products, such as toothpaste, mouthwashe and chewing gum, that was developed with chemicals giant BASF.
The ingredient pro-t-action contains the probiotic Lactobillus paracasei which binds to the caries-causing bacteria, grouping them together, according to the company.
Once clumped together the bacteria are unable to lock onto the tooth surface and can then be flushed out of the oral cavity by swallowing or rinsing.
“The natural saliva that would occur if you were chewing gum would be enough to remove the bacteria, which would then be swallowed,” explained Katerina Holz from OrganoBalance.