SALT LAKE CITY — SINTX Technologies Inc., a leader in advanced ceramics for medical device and other technical applications, received International Patent No. 7635292, which covers novel agricultural uses of the Company’s silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) particularly in plant protection and antimicrobial treatment. This patent, combined with issued U.S. Patent No. 11,591,217, creates a family of patents focused on addressing the antimicrobial agribiotech market.
SINTX remains focused on advancing silicon nitride technologies for medical applications; however, the material’s broad utility allows for selective expansion into high-impact adjacent sectors. In line with this strategic expansion, the Company has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary that will have a dedicated management team focused on developing and commercializing agricultural and environmental technologies—signaling the official launch of SINTX Agribiotech, Inc.
Market Opportunity
The global antimicrobial fertilizer and crop protection market is projected to grow significantly, reaching up to $10.36 billion by 2030. SINTX intends to position its Si₃N₄ technology at the intersection of sustainability and high-performance crop protection within an industry increasingly focused on sustainable, eco-friendly solutions.
Independent Path for Growth
The new agribiotech subsidiary will operate independently from SINTX’s medical device business, with its own development pipeline. This separation allows for focused resource allocation, technology validation in field settings, and potential partnerships or licensing opportunities with agricultural companies.
“This is more than diversification—it’s about unlocking the full potential of our core material,” said Eric Olson. “We’re establishing a clear path to deploy our Si₃N₄ into vineyards, orchards, farmlands and hydroponic facilities, potentially beginning with one of the most compelling use cases: wine production.”
Silicon Nitride: A Natural Defense Against Crop Disease
Internal research previously published in Frontiers in Microbiology demonstrates that silicon nitride provides powerful antifungal protection against Plasmopara viticola, the pathogen responsible for grapevine downy mildew, one of the most devastating diseases affecting vineyards globally. The study demonstrated that treating grapevine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cannonau with Si₃N₄ reduced the growth and sporulation of P. viticola by 80–90%, with complete protection observed in select trials.
Unlike traditional fungicides, SINTX’s Si₃N₄ formulation offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial action without damaging plant tissue or the surrounding environment—especially relevant as copper-based fungicides face increasing regulatory restrictions. (see: Frontiers in Microbiology, 2021)
“Silicon nitride doesn’t just inactivate pathogens—it can also prevent most infections altogether,” said Eric Olson, Chairman and CEO of SINTX. “In our recent studies, silicon nitride exhibited no phytotoxicity, helped buffer environmental pH, and showed no evidence of cytotoxicity in humans. It’s a sustainable, high-performance alternative to copper and chemical-based treatments in viticulture.”
About SINTX Technologies, Inc.
Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies is an advanced ceramics company that develops and commercializes materials, components, and technologies for medical and agribiotech applications. SINTX is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of silicon nitride, and its products have been implanted in humans since 2008. Over the past several years, SINTX has utilized strategic acquisitions and alliances to enter new markets.
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