Fungilyzer

Engineering a Brighter Future for Agriculture

The problem

Phosphate is a very limited resource and phosphate fertilizers are used inefficiently. Large amounts of fertilizers are needed, because it is washed out of the soil before plants have a chance to use it^[1]. Thus it contributes to water eutrophication, which is harmful to the environment and ecosystems.^[2]


1. Alewell, C., Ringeval, B., Ballabio, C. et al. Global phosphorus shortage will be aggravated by soil erosion. Nat Commun 11, 4546 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18326-7
2. M. Oliveira & A. V. Machado (2013) The role of phosphorus on eutrophication: a historical review and future perspectives, Environmental Technology Reviews, 2:1, 117-127, DOI: 10.1080/21622515.2013.861877

Our solution

Fungilyzer absorbs phosphate when it is in abundance and releases it, along with other nutrients, when it senses phosphate levels in the soil are low.

The system can detect the concentration of phosphate in the soil and react according to the situation. It will store free phosphate so that it doesn't leach into the groundwater. Fungilyzer senses low Pi concentrations and a death gene is activated, releasing all the nutrients stored in it. The plant can now survive even in nutrient- depleted soil.