Novel Technologies Holding which has developed an eco-friendly antimicrobial technology, will utilise the funding to help develop an ‘anti-smell’ fabric.

The funding is the third investment made by the £20 million Foresight Scottish Growth Fund, which is financed by the Scottish Growth Scheme through a combination of Scottish Government funds and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The investment is also part of a wider £2.1m funding round for NTH.

The company will target the healthcare, activewear and hospitality sectors in bringing the technology to market.

The technology has strong appeal in sectors where bacteria are common. Examples include healthcare, where SILVERbac helps to combat pathogens such as E. coli and MRSA; activewear, where bacteria contained within sweat can cause discolouration or malodour; and hospitals and other sites where protection is needed against micro-organisms including norovirus.

Hugh Minnock, Foresight senior investment manager, said: “We are excited to back the NTH team as they progress with the commercialisation of their pioneering SILVERbac technology. The inherent, eco-friendly antimicrobial technology is well-aligned with Foresight’s mission to invest for a smarter future.”

Dr Stewart White, Foresight executive chair, added: “I am pleased to welcome our new investors to NTH at a time when the company is poised for growth. We look forward to an exciting future enabled by the support provided by both existing and new investors in this funding round.”