Johannesburg, South Africa

Shaping the
Future of
Science.

Expert R&D in protein science, computational biology, and biotech consulting — built for industry, startups, and academics who want results without the overhead.

In partnership with WITS University & STEM Scholars

PhD
Expert-led team
WITS
University partner
JHB
South Africa
Science meets nature C₆H₆

Trichome Biotechnologies is a South African biotech company offering expert support in wet lab and computational protein science for research, product development, and innovation.

Work With Us
01 · What We Do

Expert support at every
stage of your science.

We offer end-to-end scientific services across laboratory, computational, and consulting disciplines — tailored for research institutions, biotech startups, and pharmaceutical companies.

Laboratory Services

Wet lab and protein science support for research, product development, and quality control — using state-of-the-art WITS infrastructure.

  • Protein Expression & Engineering
  • Protein Purification & Quality Control
  • Binding & Functional Assays
  • Structure & Stability Analysis
  • Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)
  • Mass Spectrometry

Computational Services

In silico protein science for structure prediction, interaction modelling, and molecular simulation — accelerating discovery without the bench time.

  • Computational Protein Interaction Analyses
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulations
  • Protein Structure Prediction & Modelling
  • Docking & Binding Site Analysis

Consulting Services

Strategic scientific and regulatory guidance for companies navigating product development, experimental design, and biotech innovation.

  • Experimental Design & Strategy
  • Scientific Advisory & Technical Review
  • Regulatory Guidance
  • Product Development Support
  • Data Interpretation & Reporting
02 · Women's Health Research

Science for the
health of women.

At Trichome, we are committed to advancing research that directly addresses gaps in women's health. Our R&D programmes focus on protein-level mechanisms underlying conditions that disproportionately affect women.

From endometriosis and PCOS to reproductive biology and hormonal health, we bring rigorous science to underrepresented areas of medicine — because better data leads to better outcomes.

Endometriosis
PCOS
Reproductive Biology
Hormonal Health
Protein Biomarkers
Drug Targets
Partner on Research
Women's health research
Women's health focus
03 · Education & Outreach

Making science
fun, practical & accessible.

We offer engaging science programmes for learners, educators, students, and professionals — bridging the gap between the lab and the classroom.

STEM Scholars
In Collaboration with STEM Scholars Delivering impactful STEM education across South Africa — from school outreach to professional training.
Get Involved
Spend a Day with a Scientist
Biology & Science Days and Fairs
Protein Science Workshops
Biotech Industry Training
Public Talks & Events
Laboratory Training for Businesses
04 · Why Choose Us

Science that scales.
A team that gets it.

We act as a seamless extension of your scientific team — combining PhD-level expertise, world-class infrastructure, and the agility of a specialist boutique.

01
Experienced, PhD-level team
Deep expertise in protein science, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry
02
WITS University infrastructure
Advanced PSFRL facilities, equipment, and academic mentorship in Johannesburg
03
Full-service or targeted support
End-to-end programmes or specific expertise — on your timeline and budget
04
Proudly South African
Committed to building a stronger science ecosystem and advancing innovation across Africa
05 · The Team

The people behind the science.

MS
Dr Marushka Soobben
Co-Founder & Executive Director
PhD Biochemistry & Computational Biology. Specialises in protein biochemistry and computational protein modelling. Oversees R&D and strategic planning.
CW
Chanél Willemse
Co-Founder & Executive Director
MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Experienced in drug development and formulation. Drives business strategy and client partnerships.

// Scientific & Strategic Advisors

YS
Prof Yasien Sayed
Head of Unit (PSFRL), WITS · PhD Biochemistry
Provides guidance on protein science and experimental validation across our R&D programmes.
ND
Dr Nicholas Draeger
Founder, Cederberg GmbH · PhD Biochemical Engineering, Cambridge
Extensive experience in biotech commercialisation and scaling strategies for precision health initiatives.

Our Partners & Collaborators

University of the Witwatersrand
University of the Witwatersrand
Protein Structure-Function Research Lab
Protein Structure-Function Research Lab
STEM Scholars
STEM Scholars
06 · Get In Touch

Have an idea?
A question?
A wild hunch?

Whether you're building, researching, or just curious — we'd love to hear from you. Start the conversation; we'll bring the coffee.

📍
Address
141 Gerhardt St, Lyttelton, Centurion, 0163
Request a Quote