Request for Proposal
Natural Agent with Antimicrobial or Bacteriostatic Activity against Molds and Yeasts
Status: RFP is Closed
Opportunity
Licensing, joint development, supplier agreement
Timeline
Phase 1: Evaluation using a sample of potential agent: 6 months to 1 year
Phase 2: Verification of commercialization: 1 to 2 years (after completion of Phase 1)
Financials
Necessary development expense will be covered
(Details to be discussed).
How to Apply
- Click on "Respond", complete the form to the extent possible, and submit along with other attachment files available.
- After creating your account for NineSights, your draft will be automatically saved and you can resume later from "Control Center". Please note you do not submit confidential information at this process.
- This request for proposals in PDF format is available here.
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
RFP was closed on
Jan 2019
RFP Title
Natural Agent with Antimicrobial or Bacteriostatic Activity against Molds and Yeasts
RFP Description
NineSigma, representing a multibillion-dollar global beverage manufacturer, seeks a natural agent with an antimicrobial or bacteriostatic activity against molds and yeasts, as well as its derived component. The client ultimately wishes to apply the sought agent to beverage development; however, proposals for an agent that has been proven applicable not only to beverages, but also to food, pharmaceutical products and cosmetics are welcome from a wide range of industries.
It is preferable that an agent can exert its effect when used alone; however, the client also seeks proposals for combined use of multiple natural antimicrobial and/or bacteriostatic agents and for a masking technology for an antimicrobial or bacteriostatic agent that is known to adversely affect taste and flavor.
Key Success Criteria
Requirements of the natural antimicrobial/bacteriostatic agent
- The agent should be naturally derived. (natural component, or its extract or fermented product)
- There should be a history of safe use for food and no safety issues.
- The taste or flavor should not be disturbing.
- The agent should be soluble in water.
- Preferably, mass production should be possible or likely to be possible.
Anticipated use environment and required performance
- Target microorganisms: The sought effect should be exerted on molds and yeasts.
- The effect should be as high as that of commonly used preservatives, such as sodium benzoate and sorbic acid.
- Heat resistance: The effect should not be lost by heating at 90–100°C for a few seconds.
- pH: The effect should be exerted at pH 3.5-4.0.
In addition to the above, the client anticipates a variety of proposals for an agent against the following microorganisms under the conditions below:
- Target: Heat-resistant acidophilic bacteria (spore forming bacteria)
- Heat resistance: 90–100°C for a few seconds
- pH: 3.5–4.0
- Target: Gram-positive bacteria
- Heat resistance: 130–140°C for a few seconds
- pH: 5.5 or more
Possible Approaches
Possible Approaches
Possible approaches include, but are not limited to, the following naturally derived antimicrobial and bacteriostatic agents:
- Extracts and fermented products from fruit and vegetable juice
- Extracts and fermented products from herbs and other plants
- Microorganism-derived components and microorganism metabolites
- Combination of the above
Approaches not of Interest
Approaches Not of Interest
The following approaches are not of interest:
- Chemically synthesized antimicrobial and bacteriostatic agents
- Agents reported to have safety concerns in human
Preferred Collaboration Types
Items to be Submitted
Background
While a heating process combined with artificial preservatives is currently used to prevent microorganisms in soft drinks from deteriorating, consumers’ growing interest in natural products in recent years is creating the need to avoid artificial preservatives and increasing the demand for use of naturally derived antimicrobial and bacteriostatic agents.
Nevertheless, many of the existing natural antimicrobial agents, when the effective amount is added, have a negative impact on taste and flavor, and have poor heat resistance.
R&D activities on novel natural antimicrobial and bacteriostatic agents, on the other hand, have been conducted actively in the food industry as well as the cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. The client has thus issued this open request to seek a potential solution or technology from various industries around the globe.
Notes on Response
Proposal shall have clear points and should not include confidential information. Supplemental files may be submitted in addition to the proposal.
Response evaluation
The client will evaluate all responses with the following criteria.
- Overall scientific and technical merit
- Approach to proof of concept or performance
- Economic potential of concept
- Realism of the proposed plan (action items, timeline, roles, deliverables, cost estimation)
- Potential for proprietary position
- Respondents’ capability and related experiences
Anticipated Project Process
After reviewing submitted proposals, the client possibly ask clarifying questions before selecting the most suitable candidates for collaboration. The client will select best candidates through evaluations. During the selection process, the client may execute NDA with selected respondents, seek further information disclosure, and discuss specific development targets or potential opportunities.
The client will execute necessary agreements with the selected respondents and move to the advanced development phase. Specifics of any collaboration will be determined through consultation with the concerned parties.
Attachments
