BSB Nanotechnology

In a world where waste is a growing problem, it is inspiring to see some companies realize new ways to repurpose even the most overlooked materials. Take rice husk ash, a by-product of rice production and one of Asia’s most abundant agricultural wastes; few could have imagined its true potential.

BSB Nanotechnology, an innovator, has successfully extracted amorphous silica—aptly named BIOSILICO—from rice husks and developed numerous silica products for various applications. BSB’s innovative approach has turned the low-value waste product into a valuable resource with the potential to significantly impact multiple industries.

Its portfolio of silica products includes hydrophilic silica that absorbs moisture, hydrophobic silica that repels moisture, super hydrophobic silica with selfcleaning properties, and oleophobic silica that repels oil. Biosilico silica can be produced in either dry powder or colloidal form.
The crown jewel in BSB’s portfolio is its antimicrobial silica. By infusing nanomaterials like silver, zinc, and copper onto the large inert surfaces of silica, it has created a product with anti-bacterial and anti-viral, including anti-COVID-19 properties. This innovative silica can be used as a coating for hospital walls or other surfaces, providing an extra layer of protection against the spread of disease.

This functionality and transformation of waste to wonder exert BSB’s shining testament to the immense power of innovation and the significance of research and development.

Harvesting the Wonder Material

The success of this process can be attributed to the Comprehensive Technology Solution (CTS)—a collaborative platform for BSB and various stakeholders—that combines technology with many elements to extract high-quality silica from rice husks.

The process begins by transforming rice husks into rice husk ash through a controlled burning process used to extract BIOSILICO. This procedure only requires a temperature of just over 100 degrees Celsius. It consumes much less energy compared to the traditional method, which requires high temperatures (about 1500 degrees Celsius) when extracting silica from sand.

This self-sustaining process embodies the principles of the circular economy. The energy from burning the rice husks fuels silica extraction, and the ash is recycled into a valuable product. This makes it an environmentally and socially responsible alternative to conventional silica extraction methods.

“At BSB Nanotechnology, we believe in balancing business with social benefits rather than solely focusing on profit. Preserving the future by adopting sustainable and renewable sources of materials, like rice husk for specialty silica, is crucial in promoting a circular economy and ensuring a healthy planet,” elaborates Christopher Do, chief commercial and technology officer of BSB Nanotechnology.

Revamping the Benefits of Silica for the Yonder

BIOSILICO’s functionalities can be fine-tuned per the requirements of industries, from additives for protective coatings in paints to anti-caking agent in the pharmaceutical industry, reinforcing filler in rubber compound, and biobased multi-functional nano foliar fertilizer in agriculture. The possibilities for silica are seemingly endless, and more companies are looking to achieve environmentally friendly products using BIOSILICO.
BSB Nanotechnology’s ecologically sound capability came to the fore when it catered to a significant shift in the beauty industry. Since consumer demand for environment-friendly alternatives to cosmetics without microplastics is increasing, one of the world’s largest cosmetic ingredient suppliers turned to BSB’s silica-as-a-solution to replace microplastics in their focus metric. This engagement accelerated the commitment toward a bio-based offering to deliver optical benefits and a unique sensory experience for consumers in skin care, hair care, and colorcolour cosmetic applications.

Recently, a product named ECO OK was successfully tested in rice fields in the Mekong Delta and an official report from the Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute revealed an increase of more than 20 percent in yield and 55 percent in profit, as well as strong defence against biotic and abiotic stresses. Further testing is underway to fully evaluate the potential of this “wonder” nanocomposite that is produced from rice husk and benefit the rice farmers in a circular economy model, while reducing the dependence of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

BSB, which stands for Business for Social Benefits, is a torchbearer for companies that prioritize social wellness when doing business. The rise of BSB Nanotechnology’s amorphous silica marks a new era where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, reinforcing the statement, “Sustainability is not just about being green; it’s about being fair to future generations.”