Beeotec develops novel active ingredient from herbal extracts

The Brazilian biotechnology startup, Beeotec, announced the development of a unique active ingredient formulated from the aqueous dilution of herbal substances. 

Extracted from propolis and other natural ingredients, the new molecule, known as Beeocitrix, began as a systemic foliar resistance inducer and maturation retardant. But after various tests, the novel molecule was proven to have low toxicity and exhibited bactericidal and virucidal properties while being water-soluble.

According to the company, the aim of the project was to use science to address real demands, by utilizing biodiversity inputs from Brazil and creating assets for industries through green chemistry. Initially classified as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), Beeocitrix was first conceived for use in the healthcare sector as a sanitizing agent. With the derivative of the active ingredient being intended for agricultural use, the company has applied for patent registration in 47 countries for the new product, which is undergoing regulatory approval processes with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA).

Erlei Guimarães, CEO and partner at Beeotec, said that the new molecule will expand the startup's scope of operation, allowing it to export products to five continents and markets with strict regulations covering product toxicity. 

The company’s roadmap envisions the development of 30 different products, potentially generating some 50 different patents, he added.

Building upon Beeocitrix, the startup also created BeeoGarden, a bio-stimulant that helps enhance the systemic resistance of plants.

It also developed BeeoFruit, a ripening retardant for fruits, which ″has shown excellent results during 3 years of field tests in coffee plantations, demonstrating increased resistance to adverse weather conditions, such as droughts and frosts, as well as reduced rust and improved beverage quality, resulting in up to a 31% increase in productivity," Guimarães said. 

BeeoFruit was developed due to demand from the banana industry, given the short quality lifespan of the fruit.

During tests that involved the application of the input, bananas took some four weeks to ripen, preserving fruit quality and showing the potential to replace chemical sanitizers and fungicides used in post-harvest sanitation processes, as well as reducing regulatory restrictions for international market entry.

"In five years, the estimated revenue potential for products based on Beeocitrix is BRL5 billion," Guimarães further said. However, he explained that none of the molecules will be manufactured by Beeotec itself, as the startup's business plan involves licensing the technology and selling basic ingredients, the components of which are kept confidential except for propolis, a natural input created by the company. In the agriculture sector, Beeotec has conducted tests with partners, such as AgroGalaxy and Nortox, with a focus on bio-stimulants and foliar resistance inducers.

In 2023, Beeotec has ranked 7th in the Biotech Startups category in the annual rankings managed by 100 Open Startups, an organization that selects the 100 most active startups in open innovation with large companies in Brazil. Established in 2021, Beeotec was founded by five partners with extensive experience in various markets, and it currently has 11 strategic partners distributed across business units that aim to make its assets scalable, sustainable, natural and profitable for their clients.

According to the company’s CEO, Brazil is the best place for this type of innovation, due to its rich biodiversity. ″There is a significant rise in demand for sustainable assets, reflecting greater consumer awareness and regulations that are being consolidated nationally and internationally every day. We have a multitude of inputs with great potential to help companies develop their businesses through the application of technology, which can help make Brazil a key hub for sustainable innovation,″ Guimarães said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)