Key Takeaways
- BCF Life Sciences has filed a second patent for its Leafamine® Technology, a keratin hydrolysate formulated to improve seed emergence and early-stage plant growth.
- The technology repurposes poultry feathers as a raw material, aligning with circular economy principles.
- The patented hydrolysate contains 82% free amino acids, allowing for quicker plant absorption and improved growth.
- Field trials showed measurable improvements, including 12.8% higher root biomass in wheat and a 41.5% increase in emerged potato plants.
- The development reinforces the company’s ongoing work in biostimulant innovation and sustainable agriculture.
BCF Life Sciences Introduces a New Patent to Support Sustainable Crop Growth
BCF Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Brittany, France, has filed a second patent focused on advancing Leafamine® Technology, a solution designed to enhance early plant development. The innovation involves using a keratin hydrolysate with a high concentration of free amino acids, applied directly to seeds to improve root formation and early crop establishment.
Developed from poultry feathers, the material is part of the company’s effort to integrate sustainability and efficiency into agricultural inputs. The patented formulation contains 82% amino acids in free form or as small peptides (<800 Da), which allows plants to absorb nutrients more efficiently during critical growth stages.
Performance of Leafamine® Technology in Field Trials
The patented product has been tested on several crop types, including cereals (wheat, corn, barley), root crops (potatoes, beets), and vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes). Trials conducted under field conditions demonstrated consistent gains in early plant growth and resilience.
In maize, plants reached one additional leaf stage compared to untreated controls six weeks after sowing. In wheat, average root biomass increased by 12.8%, while potato fields recorded a 41.5% rise in plant emergence 39 days after planting. These results suggest that Leafamine® Technology can help strengthen early crop establishment, improve resource use, and support more uniform growth under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Focus and Agronomic Impact
According to Emmanuelle Mounier, R&D Plant Care Manager at BCF Life Sciences, the patent demonstrates the company’s research-driven approach to supporting more efficient and sustainable crop production. “This patent on the use of free amino acids for early plant growth reflects our continued work toward developing natural, high-performing agricultural solutions,” Mounier said.
The company noted that strengthening root systems and improving early-stage crop development can enhance resilience to climate variability and resource stress—two key priorities in sustainable farming systems.
BCF Life Sciences and the Future of Agricultural Biostimulants
The new patent marks another step for BCF Life Sciences in expanding its biostimulant portfolio and applying biotechnology to practical agricultural challenges. The company continues to invest in research focused on improving crop performance through natural ingredients and environmentally responsible processes.
By combining scientific innovation with a circular economy approach, BCF Life Sciences aims to contribute to the ongoing transition toward sustainable and resilient agriculture—one that balances productivity with long-term soil and ecosystem health.
