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
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.
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.
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.