Incircular | Robust proteins for biotech applications
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Structure-based chemical

protein engineering for robust proteins

Our efficient structurareinforcement technology

enables full functionality of the protein

even in challenging application environments

THE PROBLEM

Proteins play a vital roles in biological processes, and their unique biocatalytic and recognition properties render them attractive for many applications. However, only a small fraction of proteins has been utilized.  

Proteins have complex structures that are essential for their function. In process-like conditions the protein structure is lost due to increased temperatures, long application times and other chemical stressors. Consequently, the protein structure unfolds, becoming dysfunctional, proteins aggregate, and protein complexes become weak. This leads to poor performance, non-reproducibility, narrow tolerance conditions and short shelf-life.  

OUR SOLUTION

Incircular has developed INCYPRO, a cutting-edge protein engineering technology which delivers highly stabilized proteins and protein complexes, capable of improving the properties of proteins for a broad range of applications. Our proprietary INCYPRO crosslinker locks the structure of your desired protein, stabilizing its conformation, retaining its function, increasing the range of applications.  

THE BENEFITS

Enhanced stability

Proteins tolerate higher temperatures, chemical additives and different application conditions.

Stabilization white
Complex white

Stabilization of complexes

Stabilization of active protein complexes and conformations.

Minimal modification

Our tris-armed cross linker efficiently keeps the protein structure in place.

Min Mod white
Activity white

Activity under stress

More robust proteins for activity under stressed application conditions.

THE BENEFITS

Minimal modification

Our tris-armed cross linker efficiently keeps the protein structure in place.

Stabilization of complexes

Proteins tolerate higher temperatures, chemical additives and different application conditions.

Activity under stress

More robust proteins for activity under stressed application conditions.

Enhanced stability

Stabilization of active protein complexes and conformations.

OUR PARTNERS

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Get in touch, let’s collaborate!

OUR TECHNOLOGY

INCYPRO: In situ cyclization of proteins

INCYPRO was developed in the labs of Prof. Tom Grossman at VU University Amsterdam. Chemistry, molecular biology, and structural biology were uniquely combined to achieve stabilization of the 3D structure of proteins with minimal modification. INCYPRO delivers highly stabilized proteins, which withhold high temperatures, denaturing agents, and other harsh biological conditions, retaining the protein’s natural structure and activity.  

Initially, INCYPROsitefinder is used to design triple-cysteine protein variants using AI and other computational methods. Following the expression of a successful protein variant, INCYPROcrosslinkers are introduced. Finally, biophysical characterization is performed using analytics such as aggregation tests, stability assays and activity assays. The successful protein variant is optimized, and mass production can follow.  

OUR PUBLICATIONS

ABOUT US

Incircular is a technology provider which utilizes a combination of computational and structural design, and selective chemical modification tools to stabilize, prolong the activity and reduce the aggregation of proteins and protein complexes.

Our proprietary protein engineering technology, INCYPRO, delivers highly stabilized proteins and protein complexes, capable of improving the properties of proteins for a broad range of applications. By offering development projects, we generate stabilized proteins & enzymes with applications in the pharmaceutical industry as well as for other industrial processes.

Incircular is based in Amsterdam and was founded in 2021 at the VU University Amsterdam in the labs of Prof. Tom Grossmann.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Saskia Neubacher

Dr. Saskia Neubacher

CEO
& Co-founder

More

Saskia is a chemist. After her chemistry studies at the Free University Berlin, she continued with her PhD in chemical biology at the Humboldt University in Berlin. She then became associate editor for chemistry journals at Wiley-VCH. In 2016, Saskia joined Tom’s group as project leader at the VU University Amsterdam and continued research on INCYPRO. She launched Incircular in 2021.

Dr. Marcelo Masman

Dr. Marcelo Masman

Computational Biochemistry
Principal Scientist

Sharmila Srinivasan

Sharmila Srinivasan

Molecular Biology
Sr. Research Associate

Dr. Sven Hennig

Dr. Sven Hennig

Scientific Advisor
& Co-founder

More

Sven is a biochemist and crystallographer. He received his PhD from the Max-Planck Institue for Molecular Physiology. After post-doctoral research at the Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research in Perth, Sven started his own research group in 2012 at the Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max-Planck Society. He joined the VU University Amsterdam in 2017 as head of crystallography and assistant professor for structural chemical biology.

George

Dr. George Hutchins

Protein Engineer
Senior Scientist

Prof. Tom Grossmann

Prof. Tom Grossmann

Scientific Advisor
& Co-founder

More

Tom is a chemist. He received his PhD in chemistry from the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. After post-doctoral research at Harvard University, Tom started his independent career at the Max Planck Institute and the Chemical Genomics Center in Dortmund. Since 2016, Tom is full professor and Chair of Biomimetic Chemistry at the VU University Amsterdam.

David Hamilton

Dr. David Hamilton

Chemistry
Senior Scientist

Antrea

Antrea Kyriakidou

Business
Development
Manager

More

Antrea is a business developer. She holds a Master’s degree in Bio-pharmaceutical Sciences and Business Studies from Leiden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Surrey. She started her career as a laboratory technician and later on as a laboratory manager in diagnostic laboratories, and soon after the completion of her Master’s degree, she gained experience in regulatory affairs and business development. Antrea joined the Incircular team in 2024.

Lorenzo Vallino

Lorenzo Vallino

Molecular Biology
Sr. Research Associate

News

OUR SUPPORT

Funded under Horizon Europe framework – EIC Transition project INCYPROnext (Ref: 101057978 —  HORIZON-EIC-2021-TRANSITIONOPEN-01) during the period 06/2022 – 05/2025.

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