Aplin and Barrett

Aplin and Barrett was a pioneering British biotechnology company best known for the discovery and commercialization of Nisin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. Founded in 1890 and based in Yeovil, the company transitioned from dairy production to specialized food science and microbiology. Their development of Nisin, marketed under the brand name Nisaplin, revolutionized food preservation by providing a natural alternative to synthetic chemical additives. The company's research into bacteriocins laid the groundwork for modern applications of natural antimicrobials in both food and potential medical contexts. Following its acquisition by Danisco in 1997, the business was eventually integrated into the nutrition and biosciences operations of IFF.