Spinoff story

Marching Microbes

A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.

About this technology

Overview

Under an SBIR contract with Marshall Space Flight Center, Micro-Bac International developed a new system for the treatment of wastewater based on the metabolic activity of phototrophic bacteria. These microorganisms are now being sold as a liquid product called Mega-Bac TF. It is currently used for septic systems and wastewater ponds, lakes and lagoons to degrade fat, oil, fecal matter and other biologically derived wastes. Potential applications include homes, agriculture, food processors and chemical manufacturing.