BioJuvant® is a brand leveraging SCD Probiotics' bio-based microbial consortia technology. Most microbial technologies today are based on “pure-culture” methods of manufacturing, meaning the microorganisms are grown as individual strains in sterile media. If a finished product contains more than one strain, each strain is typically grown in pure culture and then blended at the time of packaging. Conversely, BioJuvant’s innovative technology is fundamentally different because selected strains are grown in “consortia,” in a process of co-growth that combines multiple strains during production.
Microbial consortia consist of multiple physiologically related microbial species functioning in an ecologically cooperative manner. The cooperative dynamics of the multiple species means that the metabolic labor is divided among the microbial species. Also, the metabolites of one species are the food sources for other microbial members in the consortium. The microbial syntrophy resembles a manufacturing process in which each member works cooperatively to minimize the accumulation of intermediate products while achieving the goal of manufacturing the final products. Thus, the net outcomes of the microbial syntrophy in a microbial consortium are a more robust and productive metabolic system than single microbial systems.
The result is that BioJuvant’s proprietary microbial consortia comprise physiologically related lactic acid bacteria (commonly found in yogurt and cheeses), beneficial yeasts (found in bread and beer), phototrophic bacteria (which can utilize light as a food source) and beneficial soil microorganisms such as
Bacillus spp. The syntrophy among these microorganisms are exemplified by the production of sugars and carbohydrates by the beneficial yeasts and phototrophic bacteria. The sugars and carbohydrates are metabolized by the lactic acid bacteria to produce lactic acids and other beneficial products, which in turn promote and enhance the decomposition of organic matter. The phototrophic bacteria use the carbon dioxide generated by other members in the consortium as a carbon source and light as an energy source. This process removes the undesirable effects of accumulated carbon dioxide and releases oxygen for the growth of other members in the consortium. This cooperative syntrophy establishes the foundation for the balanced growth of the consortial members, resulting in the production of a diverse portfolio of beneficial products.
Notably, while formulating probiotic products, SCD adds phototrophic bacteria such as
Rhodopseudomonas palustris. This bacterium is superb in its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and obtain energy via photosynthesis, as well as utilize organic molecules available in the soil (Figure 1). The addition of R. palustris is intended for supplementing the overall beneficial impact of probiotics on nutrient pools and soil organic matter.
Figure 1
