SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Jan 30, 2012) - Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBB: [ PLPL ]) Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, today announced that Dr. Tom Matula has accepted the position of Chairman of the Scientific Board for Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc., effective immediately.

Dr. Matula is a world-renowned scientist and entrepreneur with expertise in medical and industrial applications of ultrasound. He is the author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications and has several patents in the medical devices landscape. Dr. Matula is a past winner of the Department of Defense Young Scientist Award and was also awarded the Presidential Early Career Award, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their careers. He has advised members of congress on energy issues, and helps organize panels on technology transfer out of universities.

Dr. Matula received his PhD. in Physics from Washington State University. He currently serves as Affiliate Associate Professor, Bioengineering and Electrical Engineering with the University of Washington, is the Director of the Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound and the Director of the Center for Ultrasound-based Molecular Imaging and Therapy, both with the University of Washington. Dr. Matula also serves as Principal Physicist with the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington.

Dr. Matula is a co-inventor of Plandaí Biotechnology's proprietary technology that extracts a high level of bio-available compounds from organic matter including green tea leaves and most other organic materials. Various tests have been conducted over the past ten years using this technology that generates functional chemical compounds possessing nutritive properties that act effectively as preventive agents in the healthcare field. Polyphenols from green tea are an excellent source of antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic substances. Dr.Matula has been instrumental in bringing this technology to market through Plandaí Biotechnology.

Mr. Duffield commented, "Plandaí is delighted that Dr. Matula has accepted the chair position as we have been working together on the science behind our company for over 10 years. As a scientist, he brings a wealth of experience and insight as we transition from research into market-ready products. Plandaí Biotechnology intends to continue adding highly qualified and experienced professionals to our Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Matula's leadership as the Chairman of our Scientific Board demonstrates the acceptance within the scientific community of our technology."

Additional information on Dr. Matula's background can be found at: [ http://www.apl.washington.edu/people/profile.php?last=Matula&first=Tom ].

About Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc.

Plandaí Biotechnology, Inc., through its recent acquisition of Global Energy Solutions, Ltd. and its subsidiaries, focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principal holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa.