IPB University Students Develop MycoCaps, a Bio-Organic Booster Based on Biological Agents and Biomass Waste
IPB University students participating in the Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) have developed MycoCaps, a Complete Bio-Organic Booster in the form of slow-release capsules based on biological agents and biomass waste. The innovation was developed to support more efficient agricultural input application while promoting the sustainable utilization of local resources.
Okta Fitra Vidian, the team leader, said that MycoCaps was developed in response to challenges in fertilizer application efficiency. According to him, challenges in agriculture are not only related to the amount of fertilizer applied, but also to how effectively the input can be utilized by plants.
“Therefore, we developed MycoCaps as a booster that works around the root zone, offering a more practical and precise application,” said Okta.
He further explained that MycoCaps combines arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (FMA) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) sourced from bamboo rhizospheres with organic materials made from processed coffee grounds and chicken feathers.
The product applies the #OneCapsuleOnePlant concept, in which one capsule is used for one plant in each application. Based on the team’s testing, the MycoCaps formulation contains 7,2 percent NPK, 39 percent organic carbon, and has a pH of 6,19.
In addition to biological agents, the team utilizes chicken feathers and coffee grounds obtained from partners as part of the organic matrix. Ainayya Qurrota A’yuni, Chief Product Officer (CPO) of MycoCaps, said that utilizing these residues is part of the team’s efforts to establish a low waste production system.
“We do not want to simply claim that our process is zero waste. For us, what matters is how available materials can be reused and how the production process can be continuously improved to minimize waste,” said Ainayya.
The development of MycoCaps also involves cross-disciplinary collaboration, covering production, soil and agronomy, marketing, and business feasibility. The team is currently validating the product, particularly to evaluate its slow release performance under various conditions.
Maulana Ghufron Nur Rafif, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MycoCaps, said that the biggest challenges emerge when the product is tested beyond laboratory conditions.
“In the field, soil conditions, weather, crops, and cultivation practices vary widely. Therefore, validation is essential to ensure that the development of MycoCaps truly corresponds to real world conditions,” said Ghufron.
Moving forward, the team aims to strengthen product validation, increase production capacity, and develop partnerships with farmer groups, nurseries, and agricultural supply stores so that MycoCaps can continue to advance toward commercialization. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ZHD)
