MicroLub
MicroLub is a deep-tech ingredient solutions company that develops protein-based biolubricant technologies to replace fats and oils in food and personal care products. Its biolubricant molecules reduce molecular friction by two orders of magnitude compared to water, replicating the mouthfeel of fat and skinfeel of oil without added fat. The technology enables manufacturers to cut fat content, boost protein, or add micronutrients while preserving the sensory experience consumers expect.
- Agriculture Technology
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Technology
- Consumer Goods
- Food Technology
- New Materials
Funding
Raised to date
$10MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
across 1 round
NI$10M · Undisclosed
Announced Sep 2026 · from article date
Disclosed cumulative: $10M
Founders
Founder details are not available yet.
Product
Problem
Food and personal care manufacturers face a difficult trade-off: reducing fat and oil content typically sacrifices the indulgent texture and mouthfeel that drive consumer satisfaction, while increasing protein often introduces grittiness and astringency. Additionally, many personal care products rely on petroleum-based or synthetic ingredients that consumers increasingly want replaced with clean, naturally derived alternatives that perform to the same standard.
Solution
MicroLub provides protein-based biolubricant ingredients that reduce molecular friction in food and personal care products to deliver oil-like sensory performance without adding fat or oil. The technology coats protein microgels with polysaccharides in precisely calibrated ratios, creating biolubricant molecules that replicate the mouthfeel of fat and the skinfeel of oil. This enables manufacturers to reduce fat content, increase protein, or incorporate micronutrients while maintaining the quality and sensory experience consumers expect. MicroLub's biolubricants achieve friction reduction two full orders of magnitude below water and one order of magnitude below the best-in-class fat replacers, bringing friction down to levels normally associated with oil.
Target Audience
Primary customers are food manufacturers and personal care brands seeking to reformulate products with reduced fat or oil content, increased protein, or clean-label ingredients while preserving sensory quality and consumer appeal.
Features
- Biolubricant molecules formed by coating protein microgels with polysaccharides in precisely calibrated ratios
- Reduces molecular friction by two orders of magnitude compared to water and one order of magnitude compared to best-in-class fat replacers
- Replicates fat mouthfeel in food products and oil skinfeel in personal care products without added fat or oil
- Enables simultaneous fat reduction and protein fortification without grittiness or astringency
- Platform technology applicable across dairy, bakery, chocolate, confectionery, high-protein products, plant-based dairy alternatives, beverages, and personal care categories including moisturisers, lotions, creams, serums, hair care, and intimate care