Agrochemicals/Biocides

Transforms waste from water treatment into granular fertilizers. Ostara uses nutrient recovery technologies called Pearl® and WASSTRIP®. This technology transforms recovered nutrients from waste in water treatment processes into granular fertilizers called Crystal Green®. Crystal Green® consists of sustainably recovered phosphorous, nitrogen, and magnesium in one powerful slow release granule. This fertilizer increases yields with a continuous release, season long supply of fertilizer, prevents soil tie-up for maximized efficiency, and reduces nutrient runoff.

Peptide emPOWERed™ Insecticides are peptide-based biological pesticides from naturally occurring molecules with effective insecticidal properties benign to mammals and vertebrates and not cross-resistant with synthetic insecticides. Biological pesticides are substances that naturally occur in or are inspired by nature, commonly target specific pests, and decompose quickly. The genes that encode for these peptides are inserted into a yeast strain, which undergoes a fermentation process that yields Spear peptide, the active ingredient for the pesticide.

Coordination compound that has the potential to be applied as biocide for the prevention of algae and bacterial growth in water for industrial use. Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS) is an organophosphorus compound with low toxicity, biodegradability, and exceptional activity against microorganisms. Since this biocide is non-halogenated and is produced in a water solution, it does not generate VOC emissions. It's readily biodegradable by oxidative process, hydrolysis and interactions with light and/or organisms.

Microbial-based insecticide that targets sucking and chewing insects, flies, and mites on a variety of conventional crops (fruits, vegetables, etc.). This microbial-based bioinsecticide contains several active compounds that act in many ways to protect crops from insects, flies, and mites. It also repels, stops feeding, reduces reproduction, and induces mortality of these pests. The technology has been shown to control up to 99% of pest populations in tests. The insecticide saves time, requiring only a 4-hour re-entry interval and minimum need for PPE.

RNA synthesis for highly specific pest control. This technology targets the destructive organism and leaves beneficial insects unharmed. RNA also breaks down quickly in the environment and is undetectable after 4 days. This technology uses a proprietary cell-free methodology that enables delivery of high volumes of Technical Grade Active Ingredient (TGAI) dsRNA that costs less than $1 per gram to produce. Its application is also scalable and flexible for existing manufacturing processes.

Termite colony elimination system. This technology uses a bait-system based on hexaflumuron that keeps termites from molting (shedding their exoskeleton), a process they must undergo to survive. It is applied specifically in termite active areas, offering high performance and reduced hazard. Conventional termite control uses large volumes of pesticides in large areas of soil surrounding houses or buildings to create a barrier. These liquid treatments only kill a fraction of termites and the remaining population can move under or around the barrier.