Nat4Bio develops organic coatings using cell-free biological formulations derived from native microorganisms to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Their technology significantly reduces spoilage and waste in global supply chains, addressing the critical issue of food loss, which affects up to 50% of fruits and vegetables.
Funding
$3.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
A significant portion of fresh fruits and vegetables is lost or wasted in global supply chains due to spoilage, dehydration, and pathogen contamination. Current solutions often rely on synthetic pesticides and plastic derivatives, raising environmental and health concerns.
Solution
Nat4Bio develops nature-inspired, cell-free biological formulations that act as organic coatings for fresh produce, extending shelf life and reducing waste. Derived from native microorganisms, these coatings offer broad-spectrum protection against post-harvest pathogens, dehydration, and physiological disorders. The coatings are customized for various crops, including citrus, pommes, and avocados, and can be applied at different stages, from seed to post-harvest. By reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and plastic derivatives, Nat4Bio provides a sustainable approach to preserving fresh produce and minimizing food loss.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes packers, exporters, and ag-input distributors seeking to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of fresh produce.
Features
- Cell-free microbial biopolymers that control post-harvest pathogens like Penicillium italicum and Botrytis cinerea.
- Edible coatings that reduce dehydration, cold damage, and color degradation in fruits.
- Formulations enriched with natural antimicrobials and antioxidants for enhanced protection.
- Customizable coatings tailored to specific crops (citrus, apples, avocados, berries, etc.) and application methods (ULV, electrostatic applicators).
- Coatings that maintain fruit firmness and reduce respiration rate for extended shelf life.
- Bioproducts applicable at various stages: seed, pre-harvest, and post-harvest.