As industries around the world confront the growing urgency of pollution and waste, one company is leading the charge with an innovative, biology-first approach.
Allied Microbiota is transforming the field of environmental remediation by using specially selected and enhanced microbes to break down some of the planet’s most persistent pollutants.
What began as a research initiative at Columbia University has evolved into a commercial biotechnology platform capable of cleaning contaminated soil and water – safely, cost-effectively, and at scale.
Through advanced microbial engineering, Allied Microbiota is helping industries transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Microbial power for a cleaner future
Microbes have long been nature’s recyclers – managing carbon and nutrient cycles across ecosystems. Allied Microbiota taps into this natural capability and enhances it with advanced microbial science.
The company identifies, refines, and scales powerful strains that can eliminate persistent pollutants from soil and water, helping industries clean up contaminated environments safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively.
Their mission is to reduce the burden of harmful chemicals across supply chains and support the shift toward a more sustainable industrial era, often referred to as the next industrial revolution.
FastBac technology: Scalable bioremediation
At the heart of Allied Microbiota’s operations is FastBac, a proprietary microbial platform developed to target and degrade toxic compounds.
FastBac products are created through a high-efficiency discovery pipeline that combines microbial expertise, bioinformatics, and high-throughput screening. This enables the rapid development of specialised bacteria capable of tackling a wide range of pollutants.
These solutions are not just theoretical. FastBac products are manufactured at a commercial scale using traditional fermentation techniques alongside novel production methods tailored to specific microbial strains. Clients can either receive centralised shipments or opt for on-site fermentation systems for continuous supply.
ThermO+™: Revolutionising soil and water treatment
Allied Microbiota’s flagship environmental remediation tool, ThermO+™, represents a leap forward in the treatment of persistent ecological toxins.
Utilising mild heat, air, and a proprietary nutrient mix, ThermO+™ activates microbial degradation of contaminants previously thought to be non-biodegradable.
Field trials have proven ThermO+™ to be highly effective on complex compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In fact, ThermO+™ has demonstrated it can remediate PCB-laden soil at lower costs than traditional Class C landfill disposal or chemical treatments.
Wastewater and PFAS remediation
Beyond soil, Allied Microbiota also delivers cutting-edge microbial treatments for contaminated water and wastewater. Their reactor-based systems address common industrial pollutants, including:
- Excess nitrogen (ammonium, nitrates, nitrites)
- Chemical and biological oxygen demand (COD/BOD)
- Organic pollutants and oils
Importantly, ThermO+™ has also shown strong efficacy in degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOS and PFOA.
The technology enables safe and field-ready regeneration of commercial sorbents, minimising secondary waste and reducing long-term disposal costs.
A sustainable path to environmental remediation
By replacing harsh chemicals, incineration, and landfill disposal with biology-based treatments, Allied Microbiota provides a sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective path to environmental remediation.
Their commitment to innovation ensures ongoing development of microbial tools that meet evolving industrial and regulatory challenges.
For organisations facing contaminated sites, complex waste streams, or regulatory pressures, Allied Microbiota offers a proven, science-driven partner in restoring environmental health.
