Dry algae granule (DAG) bio-stimulant for enhanced crop productivity and horticulture applications
A novel dry algae granule (DAG) bio-stimulant technology developed at the University of Houston–Downtown Microbial Products Lab. The product uses immobilized live algae to enhance nutrient uptake, crop yield, and tolerance to abiotic stress. Prior field testing showed up to 15% improvement in rice crop yield compared to controls, with improved shelf life and transportability over live algae suspensions.
Overview
The Microbial Products Lab at the University of Houston–Downtown has developed a Dry Algae Granule (DAG) bio-stimulant designed to improve crop productivity in horticulture applications. The product leverages live algae immobilized in dry granule form, which—when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere—stimulates natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, maintain soil organic carbon, increase nutrient efficiency, improve tolerance to abiotic stress, and boost crop quality and yield. Unlike live algae suspensions, DAG offers significantly improved shelf life, storage stability, and transportation convenience, making it practical for widespread use across the horticulture industry. Prior testing of algal suspensions in rice fields has demonstrated crop yield improvements of up to 15% compared to control treatments.
Technical specifications
Key features and capabilities:
- Immobilized live algae technology: Live algae cells are encapsulated in dry granules, preserving viability while enabling long-term storage and easy handling
- Multiple algal strains supported: Production methods are compatible with various algal strains to optimize performance for different crops and conditions
- Kilogram-scale production: Current lab capacity supports kilogram-quantity production, with plans to scale to several pounds per day through collaboration with an algae producer
- Low-cost drying methods: Multiple drying techniques are being evaluated to optimize cost-efficiency and cell viability retention
- Bio-stimulant function: Enhances nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, soil organic carbon maintenance, and crop quality
- Techno-economic analysis in progress: Cost comparison against other commercial bio-stimulants is underway
- Greenhouse and field validation: Plant growth trials in collaboration with Texas A&M University are evaluating efficacy under real-world conditions
Technology readiness level
The DAG bio-stimulant is currently at a mid-stage development level. Production methods have been established through collaboration with a local algae producer, and the lab can produce kilogram quantities using different algal strains. Ongoing validation activities include optimizing granule density by varying cross-linking agents and chelating metal ions, physical and mechanical characterization of granules, bead size optimization, drying method refinement, and shelf stability testing. Once processing conditions are optimized, the team plans to scale production to several pounds per day and conduct comprehensive techno-economic analysis. Greenhouse and field trials with Texas A&M University are being performed to document product performance and improvements. The technology is positioned for pilot-scale validation and industry partnership to advance toward commercial deployment.
About University of Houston, Downtown
University of Houston–Downtown is a public, urban university within the University of Houston System, serving a diverse metropolitan student body and working professionals. Its location in the city’s business core gives companies easy access to faculty expertise, student talent, and on-campus labs for sponsored projects, internships, and capstone collaborations. Flexible engagement models—short courses, certificates, and customized contracts—help employers upskill teams and pilot solutions with minimal friction. Research activity is supported by competitive federal and state funding. A dedicated research administration office facilitates agreements, compliance, and IP management, coordinating commercialization pathways across the UH System when appropriate.
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