Russian Firm Lysterra Signs Microbial Encapsulation Technology Transfer Pact With IISR

According to Anastasiia Romanovskaia, Head of Marketing, Lysterra LLC, algae is a serious global problem, and the technology developed by Russian scientists could be used to clean up water bodies such as rivers and lakes, as well as manage ecological problems around the world.

Following the MoU signed between IISR and the Russian firm, Romanovskaia visited the Indian Institute of Spices Research in Kozhikode with a team from Russia to transfer microbial encapsulation technology (biocapsule).

Microbial encapsulation technology ensures that crops receive biologically competent beneficial microbes. The Russian company is the first foreign company to commercialize IISR technology. She told over the phone from Kozhikode that despite unfavourable climatic conditions with extreme cold, the biological market in Russia is growing rapidly.

The company anticipates that the biocapsules will aid in the production of various biological products that will benefit agricultural activities in that country. "With this product, we hope to ensure the long-term development of agriculture in Russia," she explained.

Lysterra produces approximately 80 products, including chemicals. She stated that the company would develop both biological and ecological products using IISR's encapsulation technology to ensure agriculture's long-term development. "We began looking for biological products all over the world and learned about the IISR technology through social media," she added.

"We intend to market the biocapsules in global markets, including the United States," Romanovskaia said, referring to the company's sales of chemicals and pesticides. According to R. Dinesh, Director of IISR, the global licencing interest in microbial encapsulation technology demonstrates the technological efficiency and acceptance of the new innovation. The 'A novel method of storing and delivering PGPR/ Microbes through biocapsules' technology can address the shortcomings of traditional bio-formulations such as talc and liquid formulations.

The technology is expected to usher in revolutionary changes in the biofertilizer and biopesticide manufacturing industries around the world. According to him, the technology has been licenced to six companies so far, including the Russian client.