Startup Decomposition, which is preparing to launch its microplastic detection kit MPraser, has announced the beta testing of a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) service aimed at detecting microplastics in household drinking water.
Decomposition has developed an innovative method for detecting micro and nanoplastic concentrations by utilizing plastic-degrading microorganisms. Previously, micro and nanoplastics had to be measured using spectroscopy equipment, which required 3-7 days for results and cost over $300 per sample, making large-scale data collection difficult.
Their new technology, which uses plastic-degrading enzymes to measure micro and nanoplastic concentrations, is groundbreaking as it does not rely on advanced equipment like FT-IR microscopy (μ-FT-IR), which costs over $150,000. Decomposition aims to launch the world’s first commercialized microplastic detection kit MPraser next year.
Ahead of the kit's release, Decomposition plans to use the DTC service to collect large-scale data on micro and nanoplastic pollution levels in household environments. This data will be analyzed to understand the extent of microplastic exposure among consumers and will be used for further platform development and related projects.
The DTC service will test five types of drinking water—bottled water, tap water, water purifier systems, shower water, and other sources. Consumers can submit up to three samples at a time. During the initial beta phase, the DTC service will be free (excluding shipping costs), saving consumers over $900 compared to using spectroscopic methods. The DTC beta service portal will soon open through Decomposition’s website in the second half of this year.
CEO Myung-Hyun Choi of Decomposition stated, “As more research is published on the harmful effects of microplastics on the human body, consumers are increasingly concerned. The people who truly need help in this area are our families and children. We are developing microplastic detection and removal products that can be used in daily life by the general public. The first of these is our microplastic detection kit MPraser, which is a highly innovative product.”
Decomposition has already been recognized for its potential in microplastic detection and removal, securing approximately $150,000 in seed funding from CNTTECH, a leading accelerator in Korea, this past September. In 2023, Decomposition was also selected as one of 40 lifestyle companies out of 4,355 businesses in the 'Strong Small Business' program by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, highlighting its early promise in the field of microplastic detection and removal. Additionally, the company was honored with the Prestigious Urban Award of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, and is gaining attention for its ESG initiatives, participating in an environmental startup commercialization project led by the Ministry of Environment.
Media Contact
Company Name: Decomposition Co., Ltd
Contact Person: Myoung-Hyun Choi
Email: Send Email
Country: South Korea
Website: www.decomposition.co.kr
