A precise and versatile nanotechnology with seed bio-stimulant microbial molecules to potentiate crop growth and immunization

Project Information

NanoCroptective

Grant agreement ID: 101113416

DOI

10.3030/101113416

Project closed

EC signature date 6 March 2023

Start date 1 May 2023

End date 31 October 2024

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDAD DE MALAGA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NanoCroptective (A precise and versatile nanotechnology with seed bio-stimulant microbial molecules to potentiate crop growth and immunization)

Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2024-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Seed germination is the first and most crucial step in a plant's life, marking its transition from dormancy to growth. This process is carefully controlled to ensure plants grow in favorable conditions. However, environmental damage from poor farming practices and climate change is making it harder for seeds to thrive. Scientists have long studied how beneficial microbes help adult plants grow stronger, but we still know little about their role in supporting seeds during germination. Without this knowledge, bio-stimulants (natural substances that boost plant growth) may not work effectively, limiting their potential as eco-friendly farming solutions. Our research explores how a molecule produced by beneficial bacteria (Bacillus), interacts with seeds. Using advanced nanotechnology, we aim to enhance seed nutrition and resilience. This approach is expected to improve plant growth, strengthen immunity against harmful microbes, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides by about 50%.
By making bio-stimulants more reliable and effective, our method could play a key role in promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting crops in a changing climate.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Our project combines research and innovation to advance both technology development and commercialization. We have structured our work into three main areas:
1. Seed Treatment Feasibility (Stream 1) – Evaluating the effectiveness of a biological molecule for seed treatment.
2. Nanotechnology Development (Stream 2) – Enhancing the efficiency of the methodology through advanced nanotechnology.
3. Market Integration Strategy (Stream 3) – Accelerating the transfer of our technology to agro-biotech companies.
A key focus of our research has been identifying the optimal nanoparticle-molecule combination—a critical step in assessing the feasibility and robustness of our technology. We have successfully identified an exceptional pairing that has demonstrated significant advantages, including: i) Enhanced biological activity, improved performance with lower product quantities and ii) Broader applicability*, effective across multiple crops and pathogens, including soil and airborne fungal pathogens, as well as viral infections.
To ensure the nanoparticle is properly functionalized, we have conducted extensive validation, confirming that its chemical properties support the molecule’s biological activity.
Our approach has been refined based on valuable insights from industry partners. Meetings with companies interested in our technology have aligned with our goals, guiding strategic adjustments to better meet market needs. As a result, we are in active discussions with international companies that have expressed strong interest in adopting and further developing our technology.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The data collected during the implementation of our proposal is strong enough to support the initiation of an international patent application. This step will further attract interest from companies that recognize the value of our scientific advancements.
Ongoing research in our laboratory continues to deepen our understanding of the molecule’s biological activity and the functionalization of the nanoparticle. Current experiments focus on key aspects such as:

- Shelf-life analysis – Assessing the stability of the biological molecule over time.
- Seed interaction studies – Investigating how the molecule behaves within the seed and its metabolic effects.
- Greenhouse trials – Evaluating real-world plant responses under controlled conditions.
- Nanoparticle production optimization – Identifying the best methods for large-scale production, storage, and stability.

These efforts will strengthen the robustness of our technology and bring it closer to market readiness. Active collaboration with industry partners will be essential to achieving this final goal, ensuring that our innovation transitions from research to practical agricultural applications.

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