Houston skyline at golden hour with downtown skyscrapers
The Houston skyline.

Since 2003

About Aster Bio

Aster Bio was founded in 2003 by passionate professionals with backgrounds in biological wastewater unit operations, microbiology, and biochemistry.

By focusing on biological waste treatment, the Aster Bio experts offer a different perspective from traditional chemical and equipment companies. Biological issues are often masked by chemical addition, reducing flow, or capital expenditures. Removing existing biological unit bottlenecks yields lower waste treatment costs and higher efficiency.

Our Mission

To develop next-generation monitoring and bioaugmentation products for use in advanced wastewater treatment systems and in systems facing more stringent influent permits.

2003

Founded

30+

Years Experience

1000+

Sites Tested

13

Bio Products

Purple Janthinobacterium colonies on an agar plate from Aster Bio product research and development
This is Janthinobacterium that we isolated during new product research and development.

Our biomass products are concentrated microbial blends designed to restore a biomass to a more desirable or healthier state. Rigorously developed using both traditional microbiological techniques and the latest in DNA bioprospecting, our products are blends of growth organisms that function to restore your biomass activity in the most rapid manner possible.

With Aster Bio, you get a combination of field and laboratory experience. When you use our technologies, you have a proven partner in troubleshooting and discovering opportunities to keep your system operating at peak efficiency.

Aster Bio works with a wide range of systems, influents, and unique waste challenges. By evaluating the latest treatment technologies and interacting with a network of environmental professionals 24/7, we help customers achieve their environmental objectives by delivering value with every interaction.

Leadership

Meet the experts

Our dedicated experts apply advanced biotechnology to biological wastewater treatment across sectors with diverse biomass challenges.

Dr. Paul Campbell

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Lead

Microbiomes Molecular Diagnostics Bioremediation

Dr. Paul Campbell leads Aster Bio's molecular biology and biochemistry work. His efforts to adopt advanced, high-throughput sequencing, qPCR, and other molecular technologies have led to the Environmental Genomics™ testing platform, which is used to monitor waste treatment system microbial populations and for bioprospecting microbial candidates for Aster Bio's bioaugmentation products.

Dr. Campbell has extensive experience with microbial physiology, industrial microbiology, and fermentation.

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Erik Rumbaugh

Biological Waste Treatment & Consulting Lead

30+ Years Experience System Optimization Microbial Ecology

With over 30 years' experience in biological waste treatment, Erik has seen many changes in wastewater permits and treatment options. His work includes troubleshooting systems, optimizing biological treatment efficiency, and using the latest tools and technologies to lower treatment costs while delivering better effluent quality.

Current areas of research include applying molecular testing and biomass optimization techniques to meet challenging BNR permits and biological treatment of recalcitrant and inhibitory compounds. He's also worked with animal feeding operations, aquaculture, and bioremediation companies to provide customized microbial and enzyme products.

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Our Difference

Why work with Aster Bio

Biology-first perspective

Unlike chemical and equipment companies, we focus on the biology. We address root causes in the biomass rather than masking symptoms with chemicals or capital expenditures.

Environmental Genomics™

Our proprietary platform allows tracking and troubleshooting with an accuracy not seen in any other technology. DNA-level insight means faster, more precise decisions.

Closed-loop approach

We don't just test or just sell products — we close the loop. Lab data feeds directly into tailored bioaugmentation programs with ongoing monitoring.

Wide industry reach

From municipal WWTPs to petrochemical refineries, food processing, aquaculture, and bioremediation — we bring cross-industry insight to every engagement.

Actionable reporting

Our reports come with context and recommendations — not just data. You don't need a biology degree to understand and act on the results.

Fast turnaround

MCA in 5–7 days, qPCR in 24–48 hours, rush MCA in 24–48 hours. You can't hit pause while waiting for a report — we work hard to get you answers fast.

Our Technology

Environmental Genomics™ platform

Alongside the expertise of engineers and wastewater professionals, Aster Bio's advanced molecular diagnostics enable evaluation of your biomass at a genetic level. Unlike conventional laboratory tests, our Environmental Genomics™ platform allows for tracking and troubleshooting with an accuracy not seen in any other technology.

Your data is then used to formulate bioaugmentation products that improve control over biomass composition. This feedback loop — from diagnosis to treatment to ongoing monitoring — is what makes Aster Bio unique in the industry.

1

Molecular testing

MCA, qPCR, and microscopic exam reveal the full picture of your biomass — at the DNA level.

2

Tailored bioaugmentation

Test data informs product selection — concentrated microbial blends developed from healthy systems via DNA bioprospecting.

3

Ongoing monitoring

qPCR tracking confirms effectiveness and guides adjustments — completing the feedback loop from diagnosis to results.

Ready to work with the experts?

Combining field experience and advanced biochemistry, Aster Bio delivers value with every interaction. Let's discuss how we can help optimize your biological treatment system.