Sharklet Technologies Inc., a biotechnology company that developed Sharklet, the world’s first micro-texture that inhibits bacterial growth on surfaces, has completed a financing event led by Peaceful Union, an equity medical device firm in Hangzhou, China. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
 
The acquisition of the company will enable Sharklet Technologies to accelerate the development of Sharklet for medical devices, where chemical-free bacterial inhibition is desired as well as high-touch surfaces prone to bacterial contamination. The company also will accelerate development of a newly enhanced wound dressing technology to encourage healing.
 
Joe Bagan and Mark Spiecker led the transaction structure. “This is an important day for the company and investors,” said Bagan, former board chair, and Spiecker, former CEO. “Our investors will realize a significant transaction while enabling the company to accelerate growth.”
 
In concert with the investment, Sharklet Technologies founding member, Chief Technology Officer, and Sharklet inventor Dr. Anthony Brennan, will become board chairman, assuming duties from  Bagan and Spiecker.
 
“Today’s event marks a significant moment in Sharklet Technologies’ history. Ten years ago, we discovered Sharklet’s extraordinary capabilities as a new way of inhibiting microorganism growth,” said Brennan. “Since then, we have pioneered new manufacturing methods to bring the technology to market with the intention to create cleaner surfaces without chemistry. We have continued profound opportunity to change the way we co-exist with microorganisms around us. We look forward to inventing the next chapter for Sharklet Technologies and bringing Sharklet-enhanced products to market.”
 
Brennan inspired the founding of Sharklet Technologies when his research at the University of Florida revealed that a microscopic texture mimicking sharkskin maintained microorganism growth inhibition properties. The micro-texture is comprised of a highly-ordered series of bars arranged in an interlocked diamond pattern which creates a surface that microorganisms find inhospitable for attachment and growth.
 
The technology was invented for marine environments to address biofouling with funding support from the Office of Naval Research. Later, the Sharklet micro-texture was proven effective in inhibiting bacteria that impact human health. To advance its research and development, Sharklet Technologies was a recipient of several Small Business Innovation Research grants through the National Institutes of Health which progressed primary research for medical devices including Sharklet application on a urinary catheter and an endotracheal tube. Since Sharklet Technologies licensed the technology from University of Florida in 2007, the company has found numerous applications suitable for the integration of Sharklet to create cleaner surfaces.
 
Sharklet Technologies will maintain its headquarters at Bioscience Center Park Center, a biotechnology incubator in the Fitzsimons Life Science District adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. Sharklet Technologies employs 20 people including the Sharklet Technologies manufacturing team located in Chicago, Ill., that specializes in nano- and micro-structure design and manufacturing.
 
Sharklet Technologies is a biotechnology company that develops surface technologies that are designed to inhibit microorganism growth. Inspired by the microbial-resistant properties of sharkskin, Sharklet, the company’s core technology, is the world’s first micro-texture developed to control bacteria including Staph a., MRSA, VRE, E. coli and a host of others. Sharklet is suited for commercial, healthcare, and high-touch environments where bacterial inhibition is desired.