In the biological company, Bionema Group has announced significant progress in its Innovate UK-funded BiofilmTech® project. The company's latest findings indicate that BiofilmTech®, a next-generation biofertiliser, could deliver more consistent and sustainable benefits compared to traditional single-strain biologicals, particularly in cooler climates and high-tech greenhouse environments.
BiofilmTech®: A multi-microbe solution
Most biofertilisers on the market today are based on single microbial strains, offering narrow benefits. These products typically focus on specific functions such as nitrogen fixation or stress mitigation. BiofilmTech®, however, represents a step forward by integrating multiple beneficial organisms into one platform. According to Dr Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group, BiofilmTech® is designed to provide a broader, more reliable range of plant health benefits.
"BiofilmTech® is being designed to do far more than today's single-strain products. Early findings suggest a new type of biofertiliser that supports plant health in several ways at once. This could open a meaningful new opportunity for the industry."
The multi-microbe nature of BiofilmTech® enhances nutrient availability, improves crop resilience, and boosts root activity, offering benefits across various soil types and environmental conditions.
© Bionema
BiofilmTech®: A solution for cooler climates
"Our early results show that BiofilmTech® could help crops thrive even in cooler environments, where microbial activity is often suppressed," Dr Ansari shares. This characteristic could be particularly valuable for growers in temperate regions or during colder seasons, as it would extend the window for practical biofertilisers application.
The platform's stability and versatility are not limited to soil-based agriculture. BiofilmTech® has also demonstrated the potential to perform well in inert growing media like coir, rockwool, and peat-free mixes.
Reliable performance in controlled environments
The multi-microbe consortium has shown the ability to form a stable biofilm directly on the root surface, meaning its activity is not dependent on soil. "We've already seen positive results in coir, rockwool and other inert substrates, which makes BiofilmTech® a strong candidate for both hydroponic and semi-hydroponic systems."
Bionema's next development stage will include dedicated greenhouse trials to generate data that reflects commercial production conditions and the demands of precision-controlled environments.
A strategic opportunity for the fertiliser market
As the market for biologicals expands, Bionema's BiofilmTech® offers a timely opportunity for agricultural companies seeking to diversify their product offerings.
"We are eager to explore co-development and licensing opportunities with international fertiliser and crop-input companies," he adds. "As we move toward larger-scale field testing and commercial evaluations, we're open to strategic partnerships that can help accelerate the deployment of BiofilmTech® globally."
For more information:
Bionema
Room Number 009, Institute of Life Science 1, Singleton Park, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP
Tel.: +44 (0) 1792 606916
[email protected]
bionema.com
