In the hemp-lime biocomposites of the Biomattone® System, the drying and carbonation stage is delicate. A damp, enclosed environment can encourage mould growth before the lime has fully matured. For this reason, TecnoCanapa Bioedilizia® includes the Probiotic Additive in its product range, a natural blend of microorganisms designed to support this process. In this article we look at which microorganisms are present in the Probiotic Additive, how they work and where they are used within the Biomattone® System.
What is the Probiotic Additive?
The Probiotic Additive is a symbiotic blend of naturally occurring microorganisms. These microorganisms help reverse and regenerate oxidative and degenerative processes. When added to Coarse (or Fine) Hemp Shiv, Natural Dolomitic Binder and Water, the Probiotic Additive speeds up the lime carbonation process. This provides greater mechanical strength in the short term and reduces the drying time of the biocomposites. The product is available in 20-litre containers or 1,000-litre tanks, making it suitable both for small construction sites and for large-scale production supplies.
Which microorganisms does the Probiotic Additive contain?
The Probiotic Additive is entirely natural in composition: mineral salts, raw sugar-cane molasses, water and microorganisms. More specifically, the microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive are non-pathogenic symbiotic bacterial cultures. These include lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria and yeasts. They are therefore organisms already found in nature, neither modified nor harmful to those handling them on site.
From a physical point of view, the Probiotic Additive has a pH between 3.4 and 3.7. It is dark brown, slightly translucent when held up to the light, and has a mildly acidic smell typical of fermented products. It weighs approximately 1.1 kg per litre of activated product. It must be stored in a dark place at a temperature between 5 and 25 °C. Only under these conditions is the activity of the microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive preserved until it is used on site.
How the microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive work in the biocomposite
Once added to the mixture of Hemp Shiv, Natural Dolomitic Binder and Water, the microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive perform two main functions. First, they accelerate the lime carbonation process. This helps the biocomposite achieve greater mechanical strength from the earliest stages and reduces drying times. Second, their presence helps prevent potential mould problems during the slow drying phase. The probiotics feed on the bacteria associated with mould formation, depriving them of the conditions needed to develop. In this way, the Probiotic Additive acts not only as a setting accelerator but also as a support for the biocomposite’s hygienic performance during curing.
Where the Probiotic Additive is used in the Biomattone® System
The microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive are not associated with just one product in the range. Instead, they are used in several solutions within the Biomattone® System. One example is Canafiber Intercapedine, the loose-fill cavity insulation that includes the Probiotic Additive among its natural components. The same applies to Malta Pronta, which consists solely of Coarse Hemp Shiv, Natural Dolomitic Binder and symbiotic microorganisms. In all these cases, the Probiotic Additive works together with the Natural Dolomitic Binder, helping to provide a stable, vapour-permeable biocomposite without risks associated with residual moisture.
Is the Probiotic Additive safe for people and the environment?
Because it is a blend of natural microorganisms, the Probiotic Additive is completely biodegradable. It leaves no toxic or harmful residues for people or the environment. This characteristic is consistent with the Biomattone® System approach, which favours natural materials and additives throughout the supply chain: from the hemp shiv and binder through to the microorganisms used to support the curing of the biocomposite.
Frequently asked questions about the microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive
Is the Probiotic Additive dangerous to health or the environment?
No. It is completely biodegradable and leaves no toxic or harmful residues for either people or the environment.
In what formats is the Probiotic Additive supplied?
The product is available in a 20-litre container or a 1,000-litre tank. For technical data sheets and purchasing information, see the dedicated Probiotic Additive page.
Does the Probiotic Additive replace the hemp shiv or the binder?
No. The microorganisms in the Probiotic Additive are added to Coarse or Fine Hemp Shiv, Natural Dolomitic Binder and Water. They do not replace any of these components.
To learn more about the natural composition of the products in the Biomattone® System or to request technical information, consult the technical data sheets or contact TecnoCanapa Bioedilizia®.
