All-natural fungicides for global produce growers moving ahead after Akorn Technology wins NSF grant to replace synthetic products

Akorn Technology has been awarded a National Science Foundation Phase IIB Small Business Innovation Research grant to advance plant-based edible coatings for fresh produce.

The solution will enable the first commercial post-harvest application of essential oils combined with other natural plant extracts to control plant pathogens without synthetic fungicides, the company says.

"By combining natural antimicrobial agents with proprietary upcycled plant protein technology, Akorn will deliver a safe, sustainable and highly effective solution that extends shelf life, reduces food waste and improves food safety," the company said. "The technology has broad applicability for many high-value crops including mangos, avocados, sweet potatoes, citrus and other produce affected by common diseases such as anthracnose, stem end rot and blue and green mold."

Akorn Technology, based in Berkeley, California, develops and commercializes plant-based edible coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce while maintaining quality, flavor and nutritional value. Akorn’s proprietary water-dispersible vegetable protein technology is plant-based, sustainable and compatible with existing packinghouse equipment, the company says.

"Our mission has always been to tackle the global challenge of food waste with sustainable, science-based solutions," said Akorn Technology CEO Anthony Zografos. "This NSF award is both a recognition of our progress and a critical boost to our efforts to replace harmful synthetic fungicides with safe, natural alternatives. We’re bringing together the best of nature and science to protect fresh fruits and vegetables from farm to table.

"By reducing post-harvest losses and eliminating toxic residues, we can make a meaningful contribution to public health, environmental sustainability, and the global food supply chain," Zografos added.

Zografos said Akorn inviting invites growers to contact the company to secure a place in the first round of commercial trials, starting in the fourth quarter of 2025.

"This is a chance to be at the forefront of an agricultural breakthrough that will improve product quality, meet consumer demand for clean-label produce and open doors to premium export markets," he added.

The announcement marks the fourth NSF grant awarded to Akorn to develop and launch its platform post-harvest solutions.

Akorn Technology will be highlighting its full range of products for fruit and vegetable producers at the IFPA Fresh Summit 2025 in Hall A, Booth TA2 in the Tech Accelerator Pavilion’s Innovation Hub Oct. 16-18, 2025, in the Anaheim Convention Center in California.