MustGrow Biologics Corp. (TSX-V:MGRO, OTCQB:MGROF) announced that it has received funding to investigate mustard-derived ingredient opportunities in human and animal health applications from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
The funding has been provided through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership.
The company said the project will be carried out in partnership with AAFC’s Guelph Research & Development Centre, located in Ontario Canada.
Together, MustGrow and AAFC will analyze mustard seed bioactive components for possible antibiotic and gut health applications in humans and animals.
The project will assess yellow mustard extracts for their ability to convert glucosinolates into active ingredients, test their antifungal and antibacterial effects against microbes and diseases like Fusarium wilt TR4, and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals to enhance immunity and gut health.
MustGrow sees numerous product opportunities, including functional foods and nutraceuticals for improved immunity and gut health in humans and a replacement for antibiotics in animal feeds.
The company said it would continue to focus on its core business in natural agricultural biopesticides, biofumigants, and biofertility products derived from the mustard seed or its processing by-products.
Its biofertility product TerraSante is being marketed and sold in the United States. Meanwhile, additional biocontrol development programs are being advanced with four global partners: Bayer, Sumitomo Corporation, Janssen PMP, and NexusBioAg.