Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MicroBioPest (Microbial Biopesticides to Control Disease Vectors and Agricultural Pests)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-02-01 bis 2024-04-30
The proposed ERA Chair, Prof. George Dimopoulos, completed his PhD at IMBB-FORTH in 1996 and has through a remarkable career path (Harvard, EMBL, Imperial College, Johns Hopkins) become a world-leader in the field of vector biology/microbial biopesticides. He will establish the MicroBioPest research team at IMBB, aiming to develop environmentally safe microbial biopesticides, for tackling vectors of human diseases and agricultural pests. The research plan includes innovative components and state of the art methodologies, for the identification of insecticidal microorganisms, elucidation of the nature and mode of action of microbial bio-pesticide, and, prototype product development. This project and research line coincides with the strategic plan of the IMBB Director John Vontas, an experienced researcher in chemical insecticides (currently coordinator of two Horizon2020 and several industrial projects). This project is aligned with his Green Biotechnology sustainable development goals, and the RIS3 of the Prefecture of Crete, in a region where agriculture and tourism are the main pillars for the economy. MicroBioPest will be supported by structural reforms, such as: (i) the establishment of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) lab for work with vector pathogens, (ii) the allocation of space within the €60M investment by the EBI, for “Research, Training and Innovation Center” for hosting the sustainable Biotech-Biopesticide Center (BIOPEST) that will evolve from MicroBioPest, and(iii) operational procedures that will strengthen the Technology Transfer capacity of IMBB. The project will form a powerful and inspiring example of brain gain for the broader EU. It will train and educate young scientists towards pragmatic career prospects in Academia and industry. It will form a unique scientific niche in Greece, with significant impact on the society via tailored communication platforms for target groups, and offer alternative eco-friendly solutions to control insect pests.
During RP1, The MicroBioPest project has made great progress in setting up a collection of local microbes to find those that can kill insects or stop diseases they carry. The team collected samples from various places in Crete, building a large library of these microbes. Early tests showed that some of these bacteria and fungi could effectively kill mosquito larvae. More tests confirmed their potential as powerful insecticides. The project also started preparing to test how these microbes might stop the spread of malaria by mosquitoes. These efforts are paving the way for eco-friendly pest control solutions and show significant progress in creating a valuable microbial library.
Additionally, the project made important advances in understanding how these microbes kill insects. By using different chemicals to break down the microbes, the team found specific parts that were effective in killing mosquito larvae. The research suggested that these insect-killing properties are mostly found in the bacteria's cell walls and that the active ingredients are heat-resistant, unlike traditional insecticides. Both the inside and outside parts of the bacteria contribute to their effectiveness. Future work will focus on detailed analysis to better understand how these microbes work at a cellular level, reinforcing the project's dedication to developing sustainable pest control methods.
Additionally, the project made important advances in understanding how these microbes kill insects. By using different chemicals to break down the microbes, the team found specific parts that were effective in killing mosquito larvae. The research suggested that these insect-killing properties are mostly found in the bacteria's cell walls and that the active ingredients are heat-resistant, unlike traditional insecticides. Both the inside and outside parts of the bacteria contribute to their effectiveness. Future work will focus on detailed analysis to better understand how these microbes work at a cellular level, reinforcing the project's dedication to developing sustainable pest control methods.
The MicroBioPest project’s pathways towards impact remains relevant, and the project is making significant progress in developing environmentally safe microbial biopesticides to replace harmful chemical insecticides used for disease vectors and agricultural pests. The team is focused on producing, integrating, and transferring knowledge that has broad scientific, economic, societal, and industrial impacts. During RP1, the project showed substantial progress across various areas, contributing to these significant impacts.
Scientific Impact: The project established a research group at IMBB-FORTH led by the ERA Chair Prof. George Dimopoulos. This group successfully recruited top scientists and created a research-friendly environment. They built a comprehensive collection of microbial samples and screened them for insect-killing properties. Initial tests identified promising candidates with high effectiveness against larvae, suggesting potential for new biopesticides. Further research revealed important compounds that contribute to their effectiveness, setting the stage for more detailed studies.
Economic and Industrial Impact: The project is developing prototype microbial biopesticides, aiming to bring these eco-friendly solutions to the market. Future tasks include creating formulations with larval attractants and testing combinations to prevent resistance, which are crucial steps toward market-ready products. These efforts align with the project’s goal of establishing a Biotech-Biopesticide Center (BIOPEST), supported by a solid business plan to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Societal Impact: The project engaged with the public and scientific community through workshops, outreach events, and conferences. These activities raised awareness about the benefits of environmentally safe biopesticides and their potential to replace harmful chemical insecticides. Workshops facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, fostering a community dedicated to sustainable pest management. Public engagement highlighted the real-life impacts of the project’s research, promoting societal acceptance and support for biopesticides.
Towards Sustainable Research Development: The project laid a strong foundation for sustainable research by fostering brain gain and capacity building at IMBB. Successful grant applications and the development of a comprehensive Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan (DECP) ensure that the project’s outcomes are effectively communicated and utilized. The exploitation plan focuses on identifying commercially viable products, targeting potential user demographics, and exploring market opportunities, ensuring the sustainability and impact of the project’s innovations.
Scientific Impact: The project established a research group at IMBB-FORTH led by the ERA Chair Prof. George Dimopoulos. This group successfully recruited top scientists and created a research-friendly environment. They built a comprehensive collection of microbial samples and screened them for insect-killing properties. Initial tests identified promising candidates with high effectiveness against larvae, suggesting potential for new biopesticides. Further research revealed important compounds that contribute to their effectiveness, setting the stage for more detailed studies.
Economic and Industrial Impact: The project is developing prototype microbial biopesticides, aiming to bring these eco-friendly solutions to the market. Future tasks include creating formulations with larval attractants and testing combinations to prevent resistance, which are crucial steps toward market-ready products. These efforts align with the project’s goal of establishing a Biotech-Biopesticide Center (BIOPEST), supported by a solid business plan to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
Societal Impact: The project engaged with the public and scientific community through workshops, outreach events, and conferences. These activities raised awareness about the benefits of environmentally safe biopesticides and their potential to replace harmful chemical insecticides. Workshops facilitated knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts, fostering a community dedicated to sustainable pest management. Public engagement highlighted the real-life impacts of the project’s research, promoting societal acceptance and support for biopesticides.
Towards Sustainable Research Development: The project laid a strong foundation for sustainable research by fostering brain gain and capacity building at IMBB. Successful grant applications and the development of a comprehensive Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan (DECP) ensure that the project’s outcomes are effectively communicated and utilized. The exploitation plan focuses on identifying commercially viable products, targeting potential user demographics, and exploring market opportunities, ensuring the sustainability and impact of the project’s innovations.