In the world of advanced science and technology, breakthroughs often come from unexpected places. For Hydrosome Labs, the game-changer is ultrafine bubbles—or nanobubbles—an innovation poised to reshape fermentation processes across industries like brewing, biopharma, and precision fermentation.
Nick Jackowetz, CSO of Hydrosome Labs, sat down with Alex Crisp for Future of Foods Interviews to discuss how these microscopic marvels could drive efficiency and productivity in fields ranging from cellular agriculture to cosmetics.
What are ultrafine bubbles?
“Imagine a champagne bubble—about a millimeter in diameter,” Jackowetz began. “Now, inside that single bubble, we could fit about a trillion of our ultrafine bubbles.” These bubbles, roughly 100 nanometers in size (the size of a virus particle), are so tiny that they don’t behave like traditional bubbles. Instead of floating to the surface, they remain suspended in liquid, governed by random Brownian motion.
While the concept of ultrafine bubbles has been around since the 1960s, the technology began to take shape in Japan during the 1980s. Jackowetz emphasized that these bubbles are purely gas-filled and stabilized by the chemistry of water—no chemicals are added. The gas type can vary, depending on the application, ranging from oxygen to carbon dioxide.
Enhancing fermentation efficiency
So, how do these nanobubbles impact fermentation? The answer lies in their extraordinary surface area and ability to enhance mass transfer. “In fermentation, cells need access to nutrients and gases to grow and produce effectively. By improving how these resources reach the cells, we can significantly enhance efficiency,” Jackowetz explained.
This has practical implications for industries like brewing, where fermentation is key. Hydrosome Labs has collaborated with brewers to shorten fermentation times, improve cell viability, and boost overall production efficiency. Beyond brewing, the technology has applications in aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes, supporting a range of organisms like yeast, bacteria, and even mammalian cells used in biopharma.
“Precision fermentation companies are exploring new methods and are open to adopting technologies like ours”
The secret behind Hydrosome’s innovation is a process called hydrodynamic cavitation. By passing liquids through specialized technology, dissolved gases like oxygen are extracted and reintroduced into the liquid as ultrafine bubbles. This continuous infusion provides a higher surface area for interaction, enhancing nutrient and gas delivery to cells.
“It’s a chemical-free, energy-efficient process,” Jackowetz noted. “Flowing 400 liters of liquid through our system costs about two cents in electricity. For fermentation, we integrate this directly with tanks, ensuring that bubbles are continually maintained throughout the process.”
Applications beyond fermentation
While fermentation is a primary focus, the potential applications of ultrafine bubbles extend far beyond it. In cosmetics, for example, the bubbles are revolutionizing how active ingredients penetrate the skin. Hydrosome Labs has collaborated with TRI Princeton to test formulations using ultrafine bubbles, showing that ingredients reach deeper and act faster.
“The bubbles act like microcarriers, shuttling active ingredients into the skin without additional chemicals,” said Jackowetz. This clean-label approach appeals to consumers and brands focused on natural formulations.
In agriculture, ultrafine bubbles have been used to improve plant growth, while in water treatment, they aid in cleaning waste streams. Hydrosome Labs is expanding these uses to explore food and beverage applications, such as improving the sensory properties of beverages with ultrafine CO2 bubbles.
Precision fermentation and beyond
The rapidly growing field of precision fermentation, where microorganisms produce specific molecules like proteins or vitamins, is a significant area of interest for Hydrosome Labs. The team has partnered with companies in this space to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, which is crucial for achieving cost parity with traditional production methods.
“Precision fermentation companies are exploring new methods and are open to adopting technologies like ours,” Jackowetz said. “Our technology can help them maximize output and make better use of limited infrastructure, which is critical as demand grows.”
Another frontier is that of cultivated meat and cellular agriculture. Hydrosome is in discussions with companies working on mammalian cell lines to explore how ultrafine bubbles could improve oxygen and nutrient delivery, a key challenge in these industries.
Introducing a new technology often comes with skepticism. Hydrosome Labs addresses this by offering trial options, including shipping ultrafine bubble-infused water or providing test skids for larger-scale trials. Clients can autoclave the water, inoculate cells, and compare results with regular water.
“Every fermentation process is unique, so trials are critical,” said Jackowetz. “While the results vary, the gains are often meaningful, and our clients are pleased with the outcomes.”
He also addressed potential concerns about cell lysis or disruption during the process. “We haven’t observed any cell death from passing through our technology. In fact, in some cases, cell viability actually increases. The bubbles are biologically beneficial but inert enough to avoid negative effects.”
Growth, challenges, and future directions
Founded in 2019, Hydrosome Labs has grown to a team of 15, with headquarters in Chicago and team members across the US. While the company has achieved commercialization in the cosmetics sector, it is still building its presence in fermentation and food and beverage.
Jackowetz acknowledged the challenges of fundraising in the food-tech space but highlighted Hydrosome’s advantage of spanning multiple industries. “Our investor base is diverse and active, including angel investors who have supported us from the start. This has allowed us to invest in R&D and move toward profitability.”
Looking ahead, Hydrosome Labs aims to expand its application areas further. “By modifying bubble size, concentration, and gas composition, we can tailor solutions for industries like biomedical fields, where bubbles could be used for targeted drug delivery,” Jackowetz said.
Another promising avenue is sanitation, where bubbles infused with gases like carbon dioxide or ozone could enhance cleaning processes in an environmentally friendly way. Hydrosome is also exploring the microbiome space, with preliminary studies suggesting that ultrafine bubbles can improve gut health.
Vision for the future
With its innovative technology and broad potential, Hydrosome Labs is well-positioned to drive change across multiple sectors. From transforming fermentation to enhancing cosmetics and exploring food and beverage innovations, the possibilities seem limitless.
As Jackowetz aptly put it, “Ultrafine bubbles are a fascinating frontier, and we’re just beginning to unlock their full potential. The future is incredibly exciting.”
For industries seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and push boundaries, Hydrosome Labs offers a glimpse into what’s possible when you think small—very small.
Watch the full interview here.
Listen to the full interview on Spotify here.
