Partner to achieve
Global Glycoscience Innovation
At Struenodo, we believe the future of glycoscience depends on shared knowledge, open innovation and strategic partnerships that bridge research laboratories and industry. We proudly build on a strong scientific foundation established at the University of Cape Town’s Scientific Computing Research Unit (SCRU) and Glycoscience laboratories.
Commercial Research &
Development Collaborations
Struenodo offers a gateway for industry partners to access
cutting-edge glycoscience expertise. Our capabilities enable companies in biopharma, diagnostics, and agrochemicals to accelerate development for:
Rational Antigen Design
& Glycan Shield Engineering
The Challenge: Viral surface proteins are often covered in sugars (glycans) that mask the virus from the immune system (“glycan shielding”). Poorly designed vaccines may fail to expose the correct neutralizing epitopes.
Struenodo’s Support: We offer computational modelling to predict the 3D structure of glycan shields on viral antigens. Using, our glycoenzyme expression, specialists skills we are able to biosynthesize antigens with precise glycosylation patterns that either mask non-protective regions or expose key epitopes, ensuring the vaccine elicits a highly specific and potent immune response.
Peptide Bioavailability
& Half-Life Extension
The Challenge: Peptide drugs are highly potent but suffer from rapid degradation by proteases in the blood and poor stability, limiting their therapeutic use.
Struenodo’s Support: By applying biosynthesis of glycosylated peptides, we are able to attach specific sugar moieties to therapeutic peptides. This process (glycosylation) acts as a protective shell, physically blocking proteases from cutting the peptide and significantly extending its circulating half-life without compromising its potency. Our decades long modelling expertise allow us to simulate exactly where to attach these sugars to maintain receptor binding.
Stabilization of
Peptide-Based Biopesticides
The Challenge: The agrochemical industry is shifting toward “green” peptide-based biopesticides (e.g., spider venom peptides that target pests but are safe for humans). However, these peptides degrade quickly in sunlight (UV) and field conditions.
Struenodo’s Support: We can provide specialist support in engineering glycosylated variants of these biopesticides. Adding glycan structures can stabilize the peptide against UV radiation and enzymatic breakdown in the soil or on leaf surfaces. This transforms a fragile biological molecule into a commercially viable, shelf-stable agrochemical product.
Investment & Strategic Alliances
We are building a new category of biotech from Africa – one that’s science-led, commercially agile, and globally relevant.
Struenodo invites investment and strategic collaboration in:
Product development and market expansion.
Scale-up of enzyme manufacturing and e-commerce infrastructure.
IP licensing, joint ventures, and global distribution networks.
Together, we can transform Africa’s research excellence into global biotechnological impact.
Why Partner with
Struenodo?
Proven scientific innovation from decades of UCT’s glycoenzyme research.
Integrated computational, enzymatic, and biomanufacturing expertise.
Modular platform adaptable to academic, industrial, or clinical needs.
Commitment to reproducibility, scalability, and open collaboration.
