From seed to harvest, every crop faces its own challenges

A wide range of issues can limit yields, and each crop comes with a unique set of problems.

Biotic Stressors

Abiotic Stressors

No single solution fits all

Seed coatings are a promising tool to address crop stress, but their potential remains largely untapped

What are seed coatings?

Seed coatings are artificial layers applied to seeds. They are commonly used to improve sowing efficiency through uniform seed size and germination and to deliver active compounds like pesticides or nutrients.

But there is so much more they could do!

Current seed coating limitations

The untapped potential of seed coatings lies in their modularity

With the help of synthetic biology, a modular, sustainable coating with tailored properties can be produced to combat a wide range of stressors.

Due to the versatility of synthetic polymers, 55% of seed coatings are synthetic, releasing microplastics in the soil.

High water-holding capacity can improve germination in dry soils.

There is no modular seed coating that works across all crops and for all applications. Over 20 different materials are used for specific purposes.

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Tuneable porosity and degradability illustration

Tuneable porosity and biodegradability allows controlled release of pesticides, nutrients or active compounds that inhibit biotic stressors.

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Many microplastic-free coatings still require unsustainable production processes.

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Proteins can replace synthetic pesticides and dyes. By attaching them to seed coatings, these biologically active components are targeted and more environmentally friendly.

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This is why we bring to you…

A modular and sustainable seed coating made from Bacterial Cellulose (BC).
Designed to meet the needs of all major coating applications—without compromising the planet.

How it works

One platform, endless possibilities

Functionalisation

Choose the properties you want your BC with!

Biodegradability can be set to regulate the slow release of active components. Water-holding capacity can be increased to improve germination under dry circumstances. Even proteins can be fused to the coating as an alternative to insecticides or for colouring of the coating.

Functionalisation

Production Platform

Produce the BC with functionalised properties in one pot!

The bacterium Komagataeibacter sucrofermentans and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae work together to produce bacterial cellulose with the previously chosen properties from sugar-rich waste streams.

Production Platform

Coating

Coat your seeds!

The produced bacterial cellulose is purified, milled into a powder and applied to seeds. The coating will directly contain the properties chosen during the functionalisation step.

Seed Coating & Application

Application

Sow your seeds!

The seeds, coated in biologically produced, fully degradable bacterial cellulose, can be planted. The coating will help the seed mitigate stresses and grow to its full potential. Two trials are performed by our team, demonstrating how our coating can be used to combat parasitic plants and insects in an effective and sustainable manner.

Seed Coating & Application

References

(1)

Afzal, I.; Javed, T.; Amirkhani, M.; Taylor, A. G. Modern Seed Technology: Seed Coating Delivery Systems for Enhancing Seed and Crop Performance. Agriculture 2020, 10 (11), 526. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10110526.

(2)

Astute Analytica. Seed Coating Material Market Trends, Forecast 2032. 2023. https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/seed-coating-material-market#:~:text=Market%20Scenario,the%20forecast%20period%202024%E2%80%932032.

(3)

Su, L.; Li, J.; Xue, H.; Wang, X. Super Absorbent Polymer Seed Coatings Promote Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Caragana korshinskii in Drought. Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B 2017, 18 (8), 696–706. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.b1600350.

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Sohail, M.; Pirzada, T.; Opperman, C. H.; Khan, S. A. Recent Advances in Seed Coating Technologies: Transitioning toward Sustainable Agriculture. Green Chemistry 2022, 24 (16), 6052–6085. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2gc02389j.

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Ullah, H.; Santos, H. A.; Khan, T. Applications of Bacterial Cellulose in Food, Cosmetics and Drug Delivery. Cellulose 2016, 23 (4), 2291–2314. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-016-0986-y.

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Hsiao, A. I.; Worsham, A. D.; Moreland, D. E. Effects of Chemicals Often Regarded as Germination Stimulants on Seed Conditioning and Germination of Witchweed (Striga asiatica). Annals of Botany 1988, 62 (1), 17–24. http://www.jstor.org/stable/42774168.

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Roh, J. Y.; Choi, J. Y.; Li, M. S.; Jin, B. R.; Je, Y. H. Bacillus thuringiensis as a Specific, Safe, and Effective Tool for Insect Pest Control. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2007, 17 (4), 547–559. PMID: 18051264.

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Croda Agriculture; European Chemicals Agency (ECHA); Bartels, E. J.; Dobrowolska-Haywood, M.; Liptrot, C.; Lawson, J.; Louwaars, N.; Kafka, A. A Microplastic-Free Future for Seed Treatments [Report]. 2022. https://www.incotec.com/mediaassets/files/incotec/whitepapers/crodaag-mpf-whitepaper.pdf?la=en-GB&hash=005D6E3967A6B4A55AF28B830FBD9723.