Microbial-based cleaning products have entered and reshaped the market, emerging as a green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products.
The past
Microbial products use microbes as a functional raw material and have been commonplace for several decades. Common applications were mainly agricultural, such as livestock health, fish farming, food and feed, but these solutions also have a place in water and FOG management and nutraceuticals.
The interest in the microbial technology in both the professional and consumer cleaning space started to increase, but there were limitations affecting the adoption of microbial-based cleaning products including new technology, limited foundational data, a lack of understanding, a lack of formulation knowledge and negative perceptions in the industry.
Manufacturers wanted to make efficacy claims on microbial products, such as odour control and degreasing, but were unable to as data remained anecdotal and case study focused as opposed to scientific. To be able to make these claims, manufacturers needed scientific data that supported the safety and performance of the products, and demonstrated the stability in formula and strain selection.
The present
Research, development and regulations have since progressed, and microbial additives have established themselves as exciting new raw materials with many benefits. From origins in grease traps maintenance and agriculture, these products have come a long way!
Scientific understanding has improved. With advancements in genomics and the development of high-quality methodologies, it has become less challenging to demonstrate the efficacy of varying microbial consortia. Strain selection and performance improvements are ongoing, supporting the ability to create application specific consortia for different product requirements.
As expertise in probiotic formulation grows, we now understand which chemicals can be effectively combined with microbes to develop cleaners which deliver both short and long-term benefits. We can now also prove the effective performance of microbial-based cleaning products thanks to advancements in laboratory and application testing methods.
From a regulatory perspective, safety information is now comprehensive and aligned with global authorities, including upcoming changes in the European Union (EU). There has also been a shift in the industry’s perception of these solutions: a positive one! As microbial-based products are reaching new markets, demand is increasing. Messaging has become simpler and more consumer-focused, with products available for people to experience effective, safe probiotic products at home.
The future
The future is looking very bright with products reaching more aspects of the cleaning sector than we ever thought possible.
As understanding of the biome we occupy increases, advances in biotechnology for the surfaces we surround ourselves with brings new methods of improving our health, helping to fight pathogenic organisms. Techniques for monitoring skin microbiome allow options for more advanced personal care products, while the modulation of microbial communities also makes non harmful, biotech-focused biocidal products a very real possibility.
From a hygiene and health perspective, advances are driving us towards a future where we can help to control allergens at home and in our immediate environment through the introduction of targeted microorganisms.
Increasing levels of pet ownership is powering demand for focused, probiotic products to reduce pet allergens. Bacillus probiotics can also help reduce environmental allergens including dust mite particles, mould spores and pollen.
In the laundry sector, probiotics are gaining momentum thanks to their natural ability to break down organic residues that cause unpleasant odours. Bacillus strains can produce enzymes that remain active even in low-temperature wash cycles, contributing to effective cleaning by facilitating the reduction of malodour and the degradation of surfactants and unwanted compounds while reducing energy consumption.
Fermentation of the specific microbes we use in these types of solutions has been scaled significantly over the last decade, with automation and advanced manufacturing techniques allowing global demand to be met. Raw materials can be provided in cost-effective formats and through optimisation, Bacillus yields can be enhanced and vegan media options explored.
Microbial-based cleaning products have come a long way from their origins, and demand is increasing every day as they continue to reach new markets in both professional and consumer spaces. The future is looking positive as companies like us, Genesis Biosciences, are on the cutting edge of new developments and data, helping make the future a reality.