Upcycling dairy permeate into iaa-enriched biofertilizers via fermentation
Transform dairy permeate into high-value biofertilizers through microbial fermentation, enhancing agricultural productivity with IAA-enriched compounds. This approach upcycles a byproduct into a sustainable resource.
Overview
The proposed solution leverages dairy permeate, a byproduct of dairy processing, as a carbon-rich substrate for microbial fermentation. By combining this with a protein-rich co-substrate and strategic strain selection, the process yields bioactive compounds, specifically indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which are crucial for plant growth. This innovative approach turns a low-value waste product into a high-value biofertilizer, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, potentially enhancing crop yield and profitability.
Technical specifications
- Substrate composition: Utilizes 25% (v/v) dairy permeate and 1.25% (w/v) soybean meal
- Microbial strain: Enterobacter strains are used for fermentation
- Process optimization: Parameters such as substrate ratio, temperature, and fermentation duration are optimized to maximize IAA production
- Analysis methods: Salkowski assay, HPLC, and proximate analysis are used to quantify IAA and nutrient content
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the technology has undergone laboratory validation. Future development includes optimization of fermentation parameters and greenhouse trials to validate agronomic benefits under real-world conditions.
About Utah State University
Utah State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (Carnegie R1) serving Utah through a flagship Logan campus and a statewide network. Industry connects through the Innovation Campus research park, where companies co‑locate with faculty and access shared facilities. USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, a US Space Force–sponsored University Affiliated Research Center, offers mission‑driven pathways for space and defense collaboration. Statewide Extension offices and field sites enable pilot deployments and real‑world validation across Utah’s diverse settings. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, NASA, and DoD, with Technology Transfer Services managing IP, licensing, and SBIR/STTR support.
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