Glossary

An agent that kills harmful ‘bad’ bacteria. The bacteria used to create our products and solutions are the ‘good guys’: useful and beneficial to people and the planet.

The process of fixing microorganisms to minerals. Minerals have micro-cavities where microorganisms can live. The minerals both shelter and shield the bacteria, protecting microorganisms from external attack. Biofixation also acts as ballast so that the product does not disperse and is able to do its job. Ideal for treatments requiring a ‘surgical strike’.

Technology based on biology, in our case the use of microorganisms, i.e. microscopic living beings, such as yeast and bacteria, to transform matter. An example of this would be the use of microorganisms to produce vinegar from grape juice or yogurt from milk.

A manufacturing process that uses microorganisms to get the job done. Depending on the application, microorganisms can act alone or in synergy to increase product performance. For example, they can be combined with essential oils to create a powerful deodorizer and/or degreaser, among other functions. At HTS BIO, we have developed and patented many biotechnology processes. These processes improve the effectiveness of microorganisms suspended in liquid or fixed to minerals or plant matter.

A surfactant (or surface-active agent) originating from biotechnology. Biosurfactants are biological molecules created by microorganisms. They are up to 500 times more effective than petrochemical or plant-based surfactants and 100% environmentally friendly!

Water that is polluted or that contains (mostly human) residue. This applies to domestic and industrial wastewater. Effluent needs to be treated before being released into the environment. Conditioning effluent initiates biodegradation of its organic matters. This is essential to preserving the planet.

A microorganism that eliminates fungi: like bacteria and yeast, fungi are microorganisms.

A microscopic living organism. Microorganisms are used in the formulation of HTS BIO products. We specially select microorganisms that have the ability to digest organic matter or produce biosurfactants (surfactants produced by microorganisms).

The signature perfume of the ECOWAY® range. ‘Original’ is pleasant, fresh and clean smelling. Designed by a giant in the world of French perfumes, the blend is balanced and delicate. The head notes are of invigorating pine. The heart notes mix the zest of orange with herbal freshness. The base notes offer a delightful touch of vanilla.

Polymerase chain reaction. A cutting-edge technique for duplicating a DNA sequence (millions in a matter of hours!) allowing irrefutable identification of a species of microorganism. It requires exceptionally precise and heavy-duty equipment. As part of our quality monitoring, PCR allows us to validate manufacturing batches or monitor an environment. For example, at a bioremediation site, we use PCR to verify whether ‘pollution-eating’ microorganisms are present in sufficient quantities to treat the site.

“Together, we are stronger”. A synergy is when the result of combined action is greater than the sum of its parts. HTS BIO creates synergies between different strains of microorganisms, between microorganisms and biosurfactants or even between microorganisms and essential oils, to increase the effectiveness of products and solutions.

In Latin, virus means poison. Although it is considered to be a living being, a virus is a single-celled parasite. It does not have its own metabolism: it uses that of its host cell, where it has ‘decided to live’ to reproduce. A virucide neutralizes viruses.

Benzene, acetone, tetrachloroethylene: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) take the form of gases in the atmosphere. Due to their volatility, they are dispersed via wind and air currents. They are damaging to the environment and health: it is advisable to choose products – especially solvents – that only release very small amounts of VOCs.

A specific type of microorganism: yeasts are single­celled fungi. They can cause the fermentation of organic matter. Certain yeasts are used to product vinegar, beer, bread and even medicines. Others are harmful and a fungicide is required to neutralize and eliminate them.