FAQ

Why does AirBiotics use microbes in its technology?

We use microbes in the PCST technology because they have a natural ability to capture and degrade pollutants. By leveraging genetically engineered microbes such as Cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, and Methanotrophic bacteria, Thiobacillus, and Pseudomonas bauzanensis DN13-1, we can efficiently target and neutralize harmful substances in the air. These microbes are specifically chosen and engineered to optimize their pollutant-capturing abilities, making them a powerful tool in our mission to combat air pollution.

What environmental benefits does your technology offer beyond carbon dioxide reduction?

Our technology offers a range of environmental benefits that extend beyond the reduction of CO2. One significant advantage is the sequestration of other harmful compounds such as methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, and various respiratory problems (Manisalidis et al. 2020), so their removal helps improve overall air quality and public health.

Additionally, our systems integrate solar panels to enhance energy efficiency. The large surface area of these panels allows our Pollutant Capture and Storage Technology (PCST) to be energetically neutral, meaning it generates as much energy as it consumes, lowering the environmental footprint of our technology. The combined effect of pollutant capture, energy efficiency, and the reduction of harmful compounds contributes to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment. 

What challenges did AirBiotics face in developing its technology?

Developing our PCST technology involved several challenges, including identifying the most effective microbes, engineering the microbes for enhanced performance, and creating an optimal environment for their activity. We also faced technical difficulties in designing and building efficient photobioreactors, as well as ensuring the scalability of our systems. Overcoming these challenges required extensive research, collaboration with experts, and a large amount of testing and refinement.

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How do you ensure the safety and sustainability of genetically engineered microbes?

We ensure the safety and sustainability of our genetically engineered microbes through rigorous protocols and testing procedures. We adhere to strict regulatory guidelines and biosafety standards, such as those set by the European Union's Directive on the contained use of genetically modified microorganisms (Directive 2009/41/EC), to prevent any unintended release into the environment. Our systems are designed as closed photobioreactors, which contain the microbes securely and eliminate the risk of environmental contamination.

Regarding sustainability of our PCST and the utilized microbes, this is ensured through thorough testing and continuous monitoring to ensure that our engineered microbes remain effective and do not pose any ecological risks. This includes evaluating their long-term stability and functionality under various operational conditions. 

How do you measure the effectiveness of your pollutant capture systems?

Through extensive fieldwork, we analyze the air quality of gases before and after passing through our systems, utilizing specialized sensors to measure pollutant concentrations in real-time. We use the MAX-iR FTIR gas analyzer by Thermo Fischer to measure both gas concentrations in the input of gas, as well as in the gasses that are output by our gas and carbon release tubes. These sensors enable us to quantify the immediate impact of our technology on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and returning cleaner air to the environment.

The Thermo Scientific™ MAX-iR™ FTIR gas analyzer, featuring StarBoost™ Optical Enhancement Technology, allows for precise and rapid analysis of gasses. It offers sensitive measurements of gas concentrations, including pollutants and trace gasses. It is particularly useful for our Airbiotics technology, as it offers detection limits as low as single-digit parts per billion (ppb). It is already being used in applications such as  industrial emissions monitoring, assessing ambient air quality, and ensuring purity of gasses in various industrial processes. 

What kind of training or support do you offer for clients using your technology?

We offer comprehensive training and support for our clients, including initial setup and installation guidance, detailed operational manuals, and on-site training sessions. Additionally, we provide ongoing technical support, regular maintenance services, and access to our expert team for troubleshooting and optimization. Our goal is to ensure that our clients can effectively operate and maintain our systems for maximum benefit.

How can your technology be customized for different industries? 

Our technology is adaptable for various industries through flexible design and configurable setups. By adjusting the composition of microbes used in our Pollutant Capture and Storage Technology (PCST), we ensure optimal efficiency in capturing and neutralizing the predominant pollutants emitted. This allows us to customize our PCST to align with specific industry regulations, operational needs, and spatial constraints. 

Additionally, by connecting multiple power plants/emission sources to a single stainless steel pollutant capture system, we are able to maximize productivity and minimize expenses, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution.

What is the future vision for AirBiotics?

We aim to continually advance our technology, expanding its capabilities and applications to address a broader range of pollutants and environmental challenges. Through ongoing research and development, partnerships, and commitment to our mission, we strive to make a lasting positive impact on the environment and society.

Does Airbiotics offer internships ?

Yes, we do! If you are interested in an internship, please check out our careers page, or contact Kamal per Email with the subject “Internship request”.