Frequently Asked Questions About La Grace Bio
What is La Grace Bio?
A Cape Town biotechnology company developing a process-defined whole-biomass watermelon bioconversion platform.
Who founded La Grace Bio?
La Grace Bio was founded by Pierre van der Merwe in Cape Town, South Africa.
Where is La Grace Bio headquartered?
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
What plant does the platform use?
The current platform focuses on cultivated watermelon, Citrullus lanatus.
What does “native-moisture processing” mean?
It describes development around the moisture naturally present in the biomass rather than adding process water during the core conversion stage.
What is the Honey Matrix?
La Grace Bio's internal term for the controlled bioconversion environment used in the platform. Learn more on the Technology page.
Is the technology clinically proven?
No. Analytical evidence supports characterisation and development, but application-specific safety and efficacy studies are still required.
Is the patent granted?
The principal international application PCT/IB2025/061059 is pending. The website therefore uses “patent application pending.”
Outputs and applications
What does La Grace Bio produce?
The process produces a liquid extract and a fibre-rich solid fraction from cultivated watermelon. These are starting materials for ingredient evaluation and research.
Which sectors are you developing for?
Cosmetic ingredient evaluation is a current focus, alongside potential development pathways in nutraceuticals, food and medical research.
Can I buy a finished supplement, food or medical product?
This website presents ingredient development and research opportunities. Contact us to discuss material availability, specifications and the testing needed for your intended use.
Explore outputs and applications