Project description
Game-changing products to help safeguard crops
The reliance on chemical fertilisers in agriculture is taking a toll on the environment, highlighting the need for alternatives such as biopesticides. Their preference over pesticides has led to an increase in the demand for molecules of biological origin. The French start-up LIPOFABRIK has developed and patented a production methodology for mycosubtilin, a natural lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis with proven antifungal and stimulating effects on several crops. It has also developed another product, which displays biostimulant activity. The EU-funded Lipofabrik project aims to overcome the current market shortage of this type of biomolecule. To that end, it will industrialise the formulation and production process, enabling mass production at competitive prices.
Objective
LIPOFABRIK is an innovative start-up from the University of Lille, specialized in the production of biological molecules with application in the phytosanitary, food, cosmetic and medical cleaning markets. Our specialised team of researchers has developed and patented a production methodology for mycosubtilin, a bioactive lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis with demonstrated antifungal and stimulating effects in several crops. Since 2013, LIPOFABRIK holds exclusivity on this patent, focused now on its market exploitation and IP portfolio expansion.
LIPOFABRIK has invested over 5 years and €2.18 million in the development, validation and business preparation of mycosubtilin for application as biopesticide and biostimulant. We have demonstrated the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of mycosubtilin against fungal infections in open field and greenhouses, reporting the superior efficacy in several peer review publications.
We have a lipopeptide production plant in pilot stage, yielding 50 kg per year. In views of the ongoing market demand, regulatory requirements and unmet needs faced by manufacturers of plant protection products, we aim to industrialise our production line responding to the market demand at a cost-efficient price. LIPOFABRIK aims to produce at quantities 10 times higher, with prices 5 times lower and higher purity than competitors offer.
This project aims to overcome the current market shortage on lipopeptides, industrialising our proprietary formulation and process to be aligned with the voiced demand. Upon completion, we will operate the first industrial lipopeptide production plant in Europe, providing a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for natural plant protection. Our proprietary biopesticide ingredients will be sold at a competitive price, being the only European company with capability to deliver bulk amounts, from 200-400 tons per year, of lipopeptides needed for large scale application in agriculture and gardening.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
59655 VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.