Breast milk breakthrough promises new standard in infant nutrition and investment opportunity

An unexpected breakthrough by three British biologists could revolutionise the way breast milk is stored, presenting both health and commercial prospects for families and investors alike. BoobyBiome, a biotechnology start-up founded by Dr Tara O’Driscoll, Dr Lydia Mapstone, and Dr Sioned Jones, has secured £2.5 million in funding to develop a cutting-edge device aimed at preserving the natural microbiome of breast milk and extending its shelf life.

BoobyBiome emerged in 2019 from within the esteemed halls of King’s College London and University College London, where the founders were pursuing their PhDs. Their original research focused on the diversity of healthy bacteria present in breast milk and the influence these microbes have on the infant gut microbiome, a field that has captured the attention of public health advocates and investors alike, as awareness of early-life nutrition’s long-term impact grows.

The team encountered a pivotal challenge as they analysed breast milk samples. It became clear that many beneficial microbes failed to survive conventional storage due to exposure to oxygen. These bacteria, accustomed to the low-oxygen environment of the mammary gland and infant gut, are particularly vulnerable to oxygen, which proved lethal for many of the strains considered so valuable for infant health.

This insight prompted the creation of a new device capable of removing oxygen from milk containers, thereby maintaining the viability of the milk’s natural microbiome and significantly boosting its shelf life. Set to arrive on the market within the next six months, this invention is designed to fit most standard baby bottles, signalling wide-scale accessibility and potential disruption in the baby care sector.

BoobyBiome’s investment round was led by Empirical Ventures, with the company intent on using its capital injection to not only commercialise the storage device but also to advance the launch of their forthcoming microbiome drops, which are expected to reach the market within 18 months. The founders stress that their innovations are not intended to replace breastfeeding, but instead offer a superior alternative for parents unable to breastfeed, enabling babies to acquire critical microbiota essential for optimal gut health and development.

Plans to publish peer-reviewed research underpin company strategy to build consumer and institutional trust, a prudent move as both parents and healthcare professionals scrutinise health claims around infant nutrition. BoobyBiome positions its technology as a return to natural standards, echoing the conditions and bacterial diversity our ancestors’ infants would have experienced. With growing market awareness and robust scientific backing, this development is poised to set a new benchmark in breast milk storage and infant health investment.