Pluton Biosciences Raises $6.6M Seed Funding for Nature-Inspired Biotech

Unlocking Nature's Potential: Pluton Biosciences and the Future of Microbial Discovery

Many of the challenges confronting modern biology and agriculture have precedents – however, these were not encountered by humankind. Within the natural world, microscopic organisms possess inherent capabilities to perform tasks with efficiency and naturalness that currently challenge chemists and bioengineers. Pluton Biosciences asserts it has developed a pioneering method for identifying these organisms, and others with similar potential.

A Vast, Untapped Reservoir of Biodiversity

Globally, bacteria and other microorganisms, largely unknown to scientific understanding, inhabit plants, animals, and the soil. Humans have successfully cultured and harnessed only a limited number, like lactobacilli and E. coli, which have revolutionized food production and industrial processes.

“There are a trillion species of microbes, and we only utilize a small fraction of them,” explains Pluton founder and CTO Barry Goldman, who previously spent nearly two decades at Monsanto exploring related concepts. “We aim to leverage this immense biodiversity to address significant global issues. Nature has dedicated 2 billion years to solving these problems; we should allow nature to guide us.”

Reviving an Old-School Approach with New Technology

The pursuit of novel microbial properties isn’t new, but Pluton’s methodology draws on a surprisingly traditional technique. Essentially, it involves collecting samples from microbe-rich environments, such as soil, and screening them for beneficial activities.

While seemingly straightforward, this approach requires systematic execution to yield substantial results. Historically, the challenge lay in isolating and sequencing the specific organism responsible for a desired effect. Researchers could detect antibiotic, nitrogen-fixing, or insulin-producing activity within a soil sample, but lacked the tools for precise identification.

The Core Technology: Accessing the Unculturable

Pluton Biosciences claims to have overcome this limitation. CEO Steve Slater states, “Our core technology involves creating small populations of organisms that are difficult to grow individually, yet still allowing us to test their effects.”

This allows access to and cultivation of the 99.999% of microbes that are currently unculturable, enabling subsequent sequencing. Early successes and a $6.6 million seed round demonstrate investor confidence in this approach.

Micromining for Specific Phenotypes

“The key lies in effectively selecting or screening for the desired characteristic – whether it’s carbon sequestration, insect control, or fungal inhibition – and then rapidly identifying the responsible organisms or genes,” says Slater. Their unique process facilitates both isolation and sequencing of organisms of interest.

To validate their “Micromining engine,” Pluton sought a natural pesticide effective against mosquitoes. As Slater explains, “We asked if we could identify novel, uncharacterized microbes capable of killing mosquitoes. The answer was yes, and the process was remarkably efficient – achieved within months using microbes from Barry’s backyard.”

The Astonishing Diversity of the Microbial World

This discovery highlights the vast, often underestimated, biodiversity of microorganisms. A handful of soil contains a staggering number of organisms, including potentially millions of species unknown to science. These organisms are remarkably diverse and rapidly adapt, colonizing niches and utilizing resources in unexpected ways.

Any one of these organisms may possess unique chemical pathways with the potential to revolutionize food production, drug manufacturing, or agriculture.

Biofilm of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Rod-shaped and spherical bacteria. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA. 3D illustration. Image Credits: Dr_Microbe / Getty Images

Applications in Agriculture and Beyond

Pluton Biosciences is particularly focused on agricultural applications. Like many sectors, agriculture is actively seeking ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The company is collaborating with Bayer AG on a microbe-based soil additive designed to amplify the effects of naturally occurring organisms.

“Our preliminary research suggests that a specific microbial grouping, applied during planting and harvest, could sequester nearly two tons of carbon per acre of farmland annually, while simultaneously replenishing soil nutrients,” the company reports.

The mosquito treatment also holds promise as a naturally derived pesticide, potentially more effective than existing options against which insects have developed resistance.

A Growing Field of Microbial Innovation

Other companies, such as Pivot Biosciences and Hexagon Bio, are pursuing similar strategies. Pivot Biosciences aims to engineer microbes in soil to produce their own fertilizer, while Hexagon Bio focuses on discovering naturally occurring molecules for drug development. This signifies a growing trend of exploring nature’s untapped potential.

“The most challenging aspect is conveying the sheer scale of microbial diversity to investors,” Goldman notes. “How do you explain the magnitude of a trillion species?”

Looking Ahead

Despite this challenge, Pluton Biosciences has secured a $6.6 million seed round led by Oakland’s Better Ventures, with participation from several other investors. This funding will enable the company to transition its team to full-time employment, expand its laboratory facilities, and potentially broaden its search beyond the founder’s backyard.