{"id":26931,"date":"2026-03-04T07:51:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T11:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belacereais.com.br\/2026\/safra\/novo-silo-biorreator-promete-elevar-padrao-sanitario-do-milho-no-pos-colheita\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T07:51:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T11:51:04","slug":"novo-silo-biorreator-promete-elevar-padrao-sanitario-do-milho-no-pos-colheita","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belacereais.com.br\/en\/2026\/safra\/novo-silo-biorreator-promete-elevar-padrao-sanitario-do-milho-no-pos-colheita\/","title":{"rendered":"New bioreactor silo promises to raise the sanitary standard of corn after harvest."},"content":{"rendered":"

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Embrapa Maize and Sorghum (MG) presents to the market a sustainable and innovative technology capable of ensuring that grains used in animal feed production are free of toxins, in addition to increasing the productivity and sustainability of agribusiness. Developed in partnership with the company Nascente (NCT), the new bioreactor silo, named SiloBio (photo on the side), is an exclusive solution for large-scale grain sanitization, which increases sanitary safety and the added value of production.<\/p>\n

<\/a>The bioreactor silo is a piece of equipment that combines the storage functionality of a silo with the controlled environment of a bioreactor, for processing grains on an industrial scale.<\/p>\n

In the case of SiloBio, it utilizes the natural action of ozone gas, a technology that eliminates mycotoxins, fungi, pests, and other chemical residues, to guarantee safe, sustainable, and high-performance feed.<\/p>\n

The development of the technology began with the validation of an ozone gas application process. This technique, carried out by researchers at Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, aims to reduce mycotoxin levels in post-harvest corn grains.<\/p>\n

The use of ozone gas to control mycotoxins, a process known as detoxification, has been studied for some time and its potential has been demonstrated in the literature. "Embrapa Maize and Sorghum has initiated research focusing on reducing levels of fumonisins, a type of mycotoxin produced mainly by fungi of the genus Fusarium sp., which is predominant in maize grains," explains researcher Marco Aur\u00e9lio Pimentel.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe began these studies with the direct application of ozone gas to grains between 2012 and 2013. This technique is called dry application and, on a laboratory scale, used structures (prototypes) that simulated a silo,\u201d comments Pimentel, who leads this project at the Minas Gerais research unit.<\/p>\n

According to the researcher, the results obtained were encouraging, such as the reduction of up to 88% of total fumonisins and up to 96% of fungi of the genera Fusarium sp. and Penicillium spp. "In the same study, we were able to observe that the application of ozone gas, even for prolonged periods (up to 60 hours), did not harm the quality of the grains, maintaining normal levels of water, protein, lipid, and ash content," he adds.<\/p>\n

The results of this first phase of the research are published in an article entitled "Ozone as a Fungicidal and Detoxifying Agent to Maize Contaminated with Fumonisins" in the journal Ozone: Science & Engineering.<\/p>\n

Pimentel notes that the starting point for scaling up SiloBio's technology, in partnership with the company Nascente, was these promising results and its potential for detoxifying mycotoxins. Another possibility is its use as an insect control agent and for oxidizing other organic molecules that can be considered contaminants, such as insecticides and other agrochemicals.<\/a><\/p>\n

Development of the SiloBio bioreactor<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A bioreactor was developed for use in scale-up experiments. The equipment's main characteristic is the movement of grains inside it, which is achieved by a helical screw. Rings with ozone gas injectors were inserted into the bioreactor body to promote greater homogeneity of application to the grain mass. Several experiments were conducted in this system with different batches of corn naturally contaminated with varying levels of fumonisins.<\/p>\n

Pimentel reports that one way to measure the efficiency of the process was to determine the relative percentage reduction in fumonisin levels after a certain period of ozone gas application. Subsequently, the levels obtained in the tests were compared with the Maximum Tolerable Limits (MTL) set by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) or by the production sector, especially those permitted in the animal protein and human food supply chains.<\/p>\n

Anvisa (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) establishes a maximum limit (MTL) for total fumonisins in unprocessed corn grain of up to 5,000 micrograms per kilogram (\u03bcg\/kg). However, in some segments of the swine and poultry production chains, there is an indication of more restrictive limits, reaching a maximum of 1,000 \u03bcg\/kg for breeding sows and some specific phases. The human food industry chain also has MTLs in this range or even lower.<\/p>\n

"Taking these levels as a reference, several experiments were implemented, where we managed to reach levels within the ranges demanded by these industries," comments the researcher. The data are recorded in the article "Technology for reducing fumonisins in corn through the application of ozone gas."<\/p>\n

Innovation for processing thousands of tons of grain.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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A batch of corn contaminated with fumonisins.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The use of ozone in grain treatment is not a global novelty. Therefore, Tuschi considers it important to demystify this point. \u201cThe world already treats various types of grains, cereals, and seeds with this technology. The innovation of NCT and Embrapa lies in the engineering of the process,\u201d he emphasizes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith SiloBio, we have taken a leap in how to apply and scale this treatment. Due to its versatility, the equipment can process practically any grain. However, our initial focus and all the basic research was anchored in corn. We chose this grain to act in one of the most sensitive points of the current market: animal nutrition in poultry and swine farms. In parallel, we already have promising advances with sorghum, soybeans, and processed bran from any grains. Once the solution is consolidated in the animal protein chain, we will gradually expand to other crops,\u201d comments the director.<\/p>\n

According to him, the perspective is practical: the producer adopts what brings a return to the business. Field visits made it possible to validate that SiloBio has the potential for an estimated Return on Investment (ROI) in less than two years, based on financial optimization by reducing the use of complementary chemicals and improving the quality of life of the animals.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis analysis is very significant for the market,\u201d comments Frederico Botelho, Deputy Head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Maize and Sorghum. \u201cTechnologies need to deliver value to the producer and demonstrate proven economic viability. This increases the potential for market adoption,\u201d he states.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe SiloBio presentation will take place during the celebration of Embrapa Maize and Sorghum's 50th anniversary. For half a century, our mission has been to transform science into real solutions for the field. We couldn't celebrate this date in a more meaningful way than by delivering to the market an innovation that redefines the standards of safety and sustainability in agribusiness,\u201d highlights the deputy head.<\/p>\n

Botelho emphasizes that the primary purpose of the innovation is to improve grain health, controlling fungi, degrading mycotoxins, and inhibiting storage pests without leaving residues. SiloBio responds to the demands of modern society for cleaner processes aligned with the concepts of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and One Health. "With this, it reaffirms Embrapa's commitment to a more productive agribusiness, safer for the consumer and respectful of the environment," he concludes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

THE Bela Cereais<\/strong> works with the best grains on the market and also keeps you up to date with the latest news and analyses on agribusiness.
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