In order to ensure the highest quality of our services, we use small files called cookies. When using our website, the cookie files are downloaded onto your device. You can change the settings of your browser at any time. In addition, your use of our website is tantamount to your consent to the processing of your personal data provided by electronic means.

The National Centre for Research and Development

Back
logo of the National Science Center Logo of the National Center for Research and Development from the left: the white and red flag of the Republic of Poland, the emblem of the Republic of Poland. The image of a white eagle with a crown in a red field.

TechNabio

TechNabio - innovative Polish fertilizers and biopreparations for agriculture based on algae

A collage of five photos showing the process in the laboratory. Finally, the preparation goes to small pots with plants

square with tentacles  Project title

Development of a technology for the production of complex biopreparations with controlled release for soil remediation and plant growth support

outline of the upper man silhouette  Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries

Częstochowa University of Technology

briefcase icon  Name of programme

Joint Undertaking TANGO

newspaper icon  Competition

TANGO I

two heaps of coins icon  Project value

PLN 1 199 742,97

hand icon with two circles above it  Funding value

PLN 1 090 000

clock icon  Project delivery period

1st May 2015 – 30th Apr 2018

Meet our team 

  • Professor Eng. Małgorzata Kacprzak, Częstochowa University of Technology
  • Anna Grobelak PhD, Częstochowa University of Technology
  • Dariusz Włóka PhD, Częstochowa University of Technology
  • Wojciech Rybak, MSc, GreenBack Sp. z o.o

View the results of our work

A collage of five photos showing the process in the laboratory. Finally, the preparation goes to small pots with plants
The key element of our solution is the use of the microencapsulation technique

 

Metal installation - four silver silos in which the technological process developed in the project takes place
We wanted to develop a technology for the production of biologically active soil preparations with a controlled release effect

 

A two-stage metal construction from which transparent water flows onto the brown-colored bio-substrate
The media used in the patented technology consists of a biodegradable polymer. This material is obtained from algae cells

 

Elegantly dressed dr hab. Anna Grobelak presents the medals which awarded the TechNabio project. In the background, a stand with posters about the project and two measuring cups with colored liquids
The effects of our project are awarded. In the photo, Anna Grobelak PhD from the Częstochowa University of Technology

 

What problem is addressed by the project? 

The main goal of the TechNabio project was to develop a technology for the production of new biologically active soil preparations with a controlled release effect. Their purpose is soil remediation and plant growth support. The key element of the proposed solution is the use of the microencapsulation technique, i.e. the process of enclosing the material in a specific membrane. The most commonly used biologically active substances that are enclosed in a microcapsule shell are: vitamin proteins, essential oils, plant extracts or active substances of drugs.
The basic assumption of our project is the use of an innovative technology of immobilization of biological material on biodegradable polymer carriers. This solution allows to significantly increase the shelf life of biological products that contain live or preserved cells of active microorganisms. The applied microorganisms belong to the group of microorganisms supporting plant growth in unfavorable soil conditions.
Carriers used in the patented technology consists of a biodegradable, natural polymer. This material is obtained in the process of extraction from algae cells.
The mechanism of action of the developed preparations is based on the slow release of the active substance into the environment by initiating the decomposition of the carrier. Due to the selected composition of the preparation core, it does not show biological activity under storage conditions and remains in a stable form. The preparation is activated under the influence of environmental conditions.
Microcapsules can be used in unfavorable humidity conditions, which is their significant advantage.
Soil remediation, as well as plant growth support with our soil preparations, allow for ecologically safe use of soils and their easy revitalization. This is of particular importance not only in the context of restoring the role of the soil, but also the functioning of the ecosystem according to the assumption: healthy soil - healthy people.

Who uses the project results? 

The results of our work can benefit:

  • organic farming (mainly producers of vegetables and fruits),
  • enterprises distributing modern agricultural preparations,
  • reclamation and remediation industry.

At the moment, GreenBack, in accordance with the license agreement, is the only producer and distributor of biologically active soil preparations.

What was the greatest challenge during project implementation?

Certainly, the biggest challenge was the commercialization of research results, and especially the development of procedures at the home university. Opening to the market needs and confronting its distrust towards Polish products offered in this segment is also a big challenge. A very demanding stage is also the development of a pilot installation.

Our advice for other applicants

  1. Know your market well in good time and invest in research into product demand and success evaluation.
  2. Before starting work on the project, it is worth working out the rules of cooperation with the company co-implementing the project.
  3. It should be taken into account that in the case of a niche or new product on the market, the costs of its mass production - but also of the management of waste generated during its production - may constitute a barrier to its introduction to the market. Therefore, we recommend that you absolutely count all costs on a pilot scale.

Video

{"register":{"columns":[]}}