Hydal Biotechnology
In harmony with nature
Hydal technology is the first in the world to use toxic waste to produce a biopolymer - used frying oil, which is in global surplus.
Nature produces
The bacteria we use to make the biopolymer have been part of our ecosystem for millions of years, "flying in" from space about two billion years ago. These bacteria do not produce biopolymer aimlessly - it serves them as a reservoir of energy for "worse times".
A new life of waste
Hydal is an upcycling technology: oil is not recycled from waste oil, but a completely different product is produced - a biopolymer.
Nature "recycles"
Nature is perfect in that it can reuse or recycle whatever it produces. The biopolymer is food for other bacteria or organisms. It is therefore fully biodegradable. In other words, nature makes full use of it in soil and water.
The conversion takes place in these steps
1. Fermentation
Microbial fermentation, where bacteria "consume" used cooking oil and convert it into PHA granules, which it stores inside the bacterial cell. This process is commonly called the upstream phase.
2. Downstream
Isolation of a polymer from microbial cells is called the downstream phase. This process involves the breakdown of microbial cells from which PHA granules are released.
3. Natural PHA
The resulting biopolymer in the form of powder flakes can be processed into granules, to which additives are added for stabilization, processing and for the desired final properties of the product. Each mixture is unique according to its use in final products (e.g. mixtures for the production of mulching films) or for cosmetic applications.
What does technology bring us?
Hydal brings a concept in which PHA is produced from waste in a simple process at a competitive price. The end of its life cycle is known before the start of production.
Solving a global problem
Elimination of environmental damage by microplastics and plastics.
Technology for upcycling
Oil is not recycled from waste oil, but a completely different product is formed.
Biocompatibility with the human body and ecosystems.
Clear end of life cycle of PHA-based products
Biodegradability, recycling, upcycling.
Waste production prevention
Waste is not generated during the product development phase or during the production itself through the use of the remaining biomass.
Material utilization of waste
One of the priorities of the circular economy.
Biodegradability in soil, water and seas
PHA is food for other bacteria or other organisms. Thanks to these properties, PHA is fully biodegradable, which in other words means that nature will make full use of it.
Biopolymer PHA is produced by bacteria as a reservoir of energy for "worse times".
Bacteria have entered the planet from space and have been part of our ecosystem for millions of years.
State of technology development
Hydal technology is currently in the TRL 9 phase. In 2019, we verified the suitability of another waste raw material - sludge palm oil - for the production of PHA.
Application development strategies - what, why and with whom do we develop?
Our application development strategy is based on so-called priority application segments.
There is a realistic and profiled demand, e.g. new material base for 3D printing, bio UV filter, bio solvents. Consumers are willing to pay for new ecological solutions.
End applications / products eliminate damage to ecosystems and the environment - biodegradable and biocompatible bioplastics for the packaging industry.
Our R&D projects are dedicated to the following priority applications, which are already in the solution process:
Talent Management
Three of our leading scientists are under the age of 30 and represent the extraordinary talents that make up the Hydal concept.
The concept of Open Science and Open Innovation
With a strong emphasis on international cooperation with all stakeholders in the value chain.
Education on biopolymers / bioplastics, plastics and circular economics
Educational activities are an integral part of our work.
360° Approach
Our solution is designed to cover the entire product life cycle, from raw materials to the end of life. Every product we develop and offer on the market has real-time biodegradability tests and LCA. All these documents are openly shared with the professional public.
The first bioplastic in endless circulation under the "baton" of nature.
"I'm out of rubbish. As a vegetable oil, I have already fulfilled my mission and become waste. As waste, however, I can destroy sewer systems or water sources. So I got a new opportunity. Czech biotechnology Hydal put me back into circulation. From the waste I became a biopolymer of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). Hence my name Hydal. I was created by nature - bacteria that have been part of our ecosystem for millions of years. I am a biomaterial that can replace microplastics and, in some applications, synthetic plastics. "
In 2017, we found out that it is necessary to create a B2C product brand that will be used for selected products - such as home 3D printing filaments, etc.
Biodivision team
Lenka Mynářová
"The fact that we have been able to develop the technology for 8 years and reach the TRL 9 phase is no coincidence. "
Daniel Pohludka
"From a professional point of view: a unique biotechnology that has become a passion for me. As a person, I see in it an excellent way of transforming useless material into something very useful for humanity and the environment. "
Stanislav Obruča
"I like the idea of Hydal - turning problematic waste into something valuable. I am proud to be a part of this project from the very beginning. "
Natural polymer P3HB
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or polyhydroxy fatty acids are a family of biodegradable polyesters. PHAs have unique properties similar to synthetic polymers.
PHB biopolymer produced by Hydal biotechnology is 100% biocompatible and biodegradable, i.e. in soil, water, as well as in the seas, it completely decomposes into water, CO2 and the remaining biom
Evaluation
Pollution with synthetic plastics and microplastics
Plastic is a material with unique properties, however, the amount of plastic generated and its insufficient processing and disposal have put the world in a global plastic crisis.
Plastics contaminated soil, rivers and the sea. Every year, 8 to 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the seas and oceans, and the current approximately 150 million tonnes of plastic waste means approximately 23 million tonnes of additives.
Microplasts were also detected in drinking water and in remote places without human activity. Despite these warnings, however, the consumption of plastics is growing exponentially and with it the problem of plastic pollution. There is a real risk that in 2050 there will be the same amount of plastic in the seas as fish.
They wrote about us
"At Nafigate, they know that without a real product, the success of the technology would be limited, so they have brought shower milk, soap and other cosmetics to the market - all products use biopolymers made with natural bacteria instead of classic hazardous microplastics."
Get current information about the developlment of our technologies and products.
