Non-stick gum scientist sets up new company

A scientist at Bristol University has set up a new company called Revolymer as a vehicle for developing the world’s first non-stick chewing gum and other products using groundbreaking new polymers.

Terry Cosgrove, professor of physical chemistry at Bristol University, has been working with a leading gum manufacturer to develop a prototype non-stick gum, which has attracted significant interest from an industry under increasing pressure to help councils pay towards the cost of removing gum from the streets.

He said: “We have the gum base done, and we’re working on adding all the other ingredients that make gum taste nice. I’m currently in the delicate stages of negotiations with a [gum] manufacturer but I hope to have something finalised in the next couple of weeks. My polymer could be commercialised easily, and would add no significant cost to the amount you’d pay for a pack of gum.”

Revolymer, a spin off company from Bristol University, is seeking tie-ups with industry to focus on developing new polymers made from inexpensive commodity polymers, said Cosgrove. “By combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers together, Revolymer can change the physical characteristics of existing polymers for new market opportunities, covering everything from non-stick chewing gum to anti-graffiti paints, antibacterial and antiviral coatings for surface treatment, drug delivery, paints and water proof coatings.

“Revolymer has a pipeline of other market opportunities and is actively seeking collaborations with market leaders.”