In a world where food waste is a growing concern, a Singapore-based startup, BioDefense, is making waves with its innovative approach to prolonging the shelf life of highly perishable food items. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Sheetal Sinha and Dr. Amit Kumar, BioDefense has developed an odorless, colorless, and tasteless edible coating that promises to revolutionize the seafood industry by extending the freshness of fish and other perishables.
Dr. Sinha, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, took her commitment to product testing to a personal level, consuming fish coated with the company’s formulation daily for a year. “I basically ate fish with and without our coatings every day to make sure we weren’t negatively impacting taste or texture,” she recalls. This rigorous testing process was not a sudden breakthrough, but rather a systematic journey to ensure the coatings could effectively extend the shelf life of whole fish without compromising quality.
The challenge didn’t end there. Dr. Kumar, the company’s CEO, noted that proving the effectiveness of their coatings across various types of fish and other perishables was essential. “We had to get from an initial 1.6x to 1.7x shelf life extension to the 2-3x that we’re seeing now,” he explained. Their focus on seafood stemmed from the high value of these products and the significant financial losses associated with spoilage. “When we first started pitching to customers, we realized the urgency in the seafood sector, as fish spoils so quickly and so much is wasted,” Kumar added.
As they refine their product, BioDefense is also navigating the complex landscape of food safety regulations. The coating is made from ingredients already present in the food system, which simplifies the approval process. The company is nearing regulatory approval in Singapore and is eyeing markets in India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Ultimately, they aim to expand into Europe and the United States.
The invisible coating not only extends shelf life but also enhances the visual appeal of the products, providing a slight sheen. It works by minimizing water loss, which is crucial in maintaining flavor and nutrients during the cold chain process. “When we apply our protective layer, it keeps the fish fresher and as tasty as freshly harvested fish,” Dr. Sinha explained. The coating also inhibits spoilage bacteria through a combination of physical barriers and a unique antimicrobial effect, which is critical for maintaining food safety.
BioDefense’s coatings can be applied through dipping or spraying, making them versatile for various processing environments. The company is also exploring the development of tablets that allow users to create the coating on-site, potentially reducing logistics costs associated with shipping water-based products.
The startup’s journey has not been without its challenges. “We have good days on a consistent basis and bad days even more frequently,” Kumar noted, emphasizing the entrepreneurial struggle to maintain momentum while keeping the business afloat. However, the potential impact of their innovation in reducing food waste and enhancing food security is what drives their passion.
With the seafood industry facing immense pressure to reduce waste and improve sustainability, BioDefense stands at the forefront of a necessary evolution. As they continue to refine their product and expand their market reach, the implications of their work could resonate far beyond the seafood sector, offering solutions to food waste challenges across various perishable commodities. The success of BioDefense could signify a pivotal shift in how the food industry approaches preservation, sustainability, and waste reduction in the years to come.