Biochemical fungicide targeting fusarium TR4 in bananas using a cell-free PK-3155 fermentation extract
A patent-pending biochemical fungicide based on a cell-free fermentation extract of the soil bacterium PK-3155. It is designed to protect bananas from Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4). In vitro testing shows 37 ppm reduces TR4 growth by 50% (and 80 ppm by 90%). The cell-free product can be tank-mixed with chemical or biological fungicides and has demonstrated field efficacy against Fusarium head blight in wheat and post-harvest spoilage in strawberries.
Overview
A patent-pending biochemical fungicide based on a cell-free fermentation extract of the soil bacterium PK-3155. The product is intended to protect bananas from Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4), the pathogen responsible for Panama disease. Because it is cell-free, it contains no live microbes and can be mixed with conventional chemical fungicides or other biocontrol agents. In vitro results indicate broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with particular potency against fusarium species and multi-fungicide-resistant pathogens. Reported activity beyond bananas includes reducing Fusarium head blight severity in wheat by more than 50% and cutting strawberry post-harvest spoilage by 50%.
Technical specifications
- Active basis: cell-free fermentation extract of the soil bacterium PK-3155
- Patent status: patent-pending formulation and production process
- In vitro efficacy against TR4: 50% growth reduction at 37 ppm and 90% growth reduction at 80 ppm
- Spectrum of activity: inhibits 24 fungal pathogens tested, including multi-fungicide-resistant strains
- Compatibility: cell-free product that can be tank-mixed with chemical and biological fungicides
- Field-validated uses: wheat Fusarium head blight (single application during anthesis reduces disease incidence by 38%, severity by 50%, and mycotoxin accumulation by 40%) and strawberry post-harvest spoilage (50% reduction)
- Planned enhancements: heterologous expression of antifungal peptides designed against TR4 in the PK-3155 strain, plus strain and fermentation optimization
Technology readiness level
The fungicide is at an early-to-mid stage of agricultural development. In vitro efficacy against TR4 has been demonstrated, and field efficacy of the cell-free PK-3155 fermentation product has been validated in wheat and strawberries. Greenhouse trials on banana plants are planned at Wageningen University, followed by field trials in the Philippines and Colombia through collaborations with Bayer and the Stoller Group. In parallel, potency enhancement is being pursued through strain engineering and fermentation optimization. The product is not yet commercially deployed for banana TR4 and requires further greenhouse and field validation before market launch.
About RevivBio
RevivBio is a biotechnology company that creates next-generation biologics and enzymes by integrating a high-throughput microfluidic experimental platform with advanced AI and machine learning models. The company uses generative AI, quantum mechanics, and molecular dynamics to explore sequence space for protein design, allowing for the hyper-speed development of functional biologics and performant enzymes across markets including human health, crop protection, and animal health. Its technology platform enables the rapid screening of large gene libraries to identify variants with enhanced catalytic activity, stability, and substrate specificity.
The company is currently focused on developing enzymatic bioremediation solutions to address environmental contamination, specifically targeting the degradation of PFAS. Backed by the National Science Foundation, this work aims to provide a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to current energy-intensive remediation methods. RevivBio has participated in programs such as Intel Ignite and NYU’s Endless Frontier Labs, and it actively seeks strategic partnerships to apply its bio-inspired design capabilities to diverse industrial and environmental challenges.
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