“Be sure that you instill in your children and your children's children the fact that farming is not the problem, it is the answer.” —Steve McDaniel

Biological threats due to the worsening effects of climate change pose significant risks to both the environment and human health. Decontaminating these threats proficiently can be challenging due to their varied nature, persistence, and potential for dispersal. Fortunately, key developments in the field of bioengineering have led to the development of innovative solutions focused on solving this particular problem.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Reactive Surfaces Founder, Steve McDaniel pondered the possibility of an enzyme that could neutralize organophosphorus pesticides and detoxify organophosphorus nerve weapons. His research found that when this enzyme was captured and stabilized in a coating system, it effectively countered nerve weapons and maintained its functionality for extended periods. This led to the creation of a bioengineered additive that continually and consistently decontaminates chemical and biological threat agents. Today, Reactive Surfaces is recognized globally as a pioneer in leveraging advanced bio-engineering to enhance the functionality of paints and coatings.

Join in as Justine and Steve propose a more efficient, nature-based solution to decontamination. They also discuss the vital part played by farmers in addressing global challenges, nature's power in combating environmental issues, agriculture's role as a solution rather than a contributor to climate change, and how Steve plans to scale and boost the impact of bioengineering solutions.

Meet Steve:

Steve McDaniel, Ph.D., is the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the award-winning paint and coatings company, Reactive Surfaces, an innovation company operating in the paint, coatings, and specialty chemicals industries for the past 20 years. His technical expertise includes organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

Dr. McDaniel has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas, a master's in science in Genetics from Texas A&M University, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University, a Post-Doctoral fellow in chemistry at Baylor College of Medicine, and received a Juris Doctor specializing in Intellectual Property Law from the University of Houston. He regularly speaks and presents on topics related to polymer chemistry, bio-functional coatings, and space exploration.

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Episode Highlights:

01:45 Give It To The Farmers

05:46 Engineering Against Contaminants

09:06 Farming the Atmosphere

13:39 Bioengineering Paint

16:03 Farming is the Solution

18:24 How to Scale Up