Endolysins
The cutting mechanism taken from nature

Diagram showing the degradation of peptidoglycan layer by endolysins in bacterial cell walls, including peptidoglycan, cell membrane, cytoplasm, with labels for MurNAc, N-acetyl muramic acid, GlcNAc, N-acetyl glucosamine, and Holin.

What are endolysins?

Endolysins are single function enzymes originally used by viruses to cut through cell-walls of infected cells so that a virus’s progeny can be released.

How we use them

Axitan has pioneered the discovery, development, production and formulation of unique endolysins to target and kill pathogenic bacteria.

Diagram of a cell wall with labeled peptidoglycan layer, gram-positive cell wall, inner membrane, and proteins. Includes detailed structure of an axitan endolysin enzyme with its amino acid sequence and domain structure.

How they work

a binding domain that enables the endolysin to attach to the cell-wall only of its intended target

Graphic representation of a virus or microorganism, depicted as a circular shape with spike-like projections around its perimeter, outlined in green.
Diagram of a scissor mechanism with a hinge and two blades, used for cutting.

a catalytic domain that cuts bonds within the cell wall causing the cell to burst and safely disintegrate

A detailed illustration of the structure of a cell membrane, showing the peptidoglycan layer, lipid bilayer, and proteins labeled as axitan and endolysins.
Black background with white dots arranged in a circular pattern and a lowercase letter 'a' in the center.

Why better than antibiotics

Are not broad spectrum – our endolysin-based products only target their intended pathogenic bacteria leaving good bacteria alone.

Do not trigger antimicrobial resistance.

Can be easily formulated with other beneficial components to improve productivity.

Fully withstand commercial processes and production models.

Do not require on-farm process changes to incorporate into production models.

A black background with white dots arranged in a circular pattern and a large lowercase 'a' at the center.

Why better than phage

Easier to manufacture.

Easier to handle – do not require a cold chain.

Quicker working.

Do not induce antimicrobial resistance - phage do.

Have a direct mode of action – phage are strain specific.

Can be delivered in dry feed, gel and water formats – phage cannot.

Do not require process changes to deploy.

Targets that matter

The key bacteria impacting the animal protein industry today include:

  • Clostridium perfringens

  • Clostridium septicum

  • Escherichia coli

  • Salmonella

  • Enterococcus cecorum

A magnified illustration of a green bacteria with numerous hair-like structures around it.

We are proud to be harnessing our Endolysin Technology Platform to create the next generation of antibiotic-free solutions for tackling these pathogens across species.