Phytoshield: natural uv-absorbers from food waste for agrochemical protection
PhytoShield leverages phytochemicals extracted from food waste to provide sustainable UV protection for agrochemicals. These biodegradable compounds offer a natural alternative to synthetic UV stabilizers, enhancing soil health while being environmentally friendly.
Overview
PhytoShield is an innovative solution developed by Keracol Ltd. that utilizes phytochemicals extracted from food processing by-products such as coffee husks, avocado seeds, pomegranate peels, and liquorice roots. These extracts, rich in polyphenols, offer strong wide-spectrum UV absorbance and antioxidant activity, providing effective UVA and UVB protection. PhytoShield is designed to be compatible with oil-based agrochemical formulations, serving as a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to traditional synthetic UV stabilizers.
Technical specifications
- Key features:
- Utilizes natural extracts from food waste: coffee husks, avocado seeds, pomegranate peels, and liquorice roots
- Offers wide-spectrum UV absorbance (280-420 nm) and antioxidant activity
- Biodegradable and enhances soil health
- Compatible with oil-based agrochemical formulations
These extracts are identified and quantified through advanced techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR. The solution undergoes rigorous testing for UV absorbance, antioxidant activity, solubility, photostability, and shelf-life under simulated field conditions.
Technology readiness level
PhytoShield is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that the technology has been validated in a lab environment. Future development involves optimizing extraction conditions, enhancing product formulations, and ensuring environmental compliance and biodegradability.
About Keracol Ltd.
Keracol Ltd. is a science-led company specializing in functional, sustainable innovation for the beauty and personal care industry. Operating as a spin-off from the University of Leeds, the company provides end-to-end R&D partnership services that span the entire product lifecycle, from the development of natural, upcycled biomaterials to final product design, testing, and validation. Their technical expertise is rooted in green chemistry, with a focus on areas such as polymers, natural pigments, dyes, and active ingredients. By harnessing nature-based chemistry, Keracol helps both entrepreneurs and established companies create high-performance beauty solutions that prioritize ethical sourcing, full traceability, and verifiable sustainability.
The company's work addresses the growing industry demand for responsible innovation and ingredient transparency. Keracol serves partners in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and suncare by delivering science-backed formulations that substitute synthetic materials with plant-based, upcycled alternatives. Through their internal R&D capabilities, they facilitate efficient scale-up and ensure that all product claims are supported by robust data and clinical evaluation, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and commercial market-ready products.
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