Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VINNY (Advanced nano encapsulation of bio-based pesticides and fertilisers for a circular and sustainable viticulture)
Período documentado: 2024-06-01 hasta 2025-11-30
The main objective of the VINNY is the development of sustainable, low-cost nanoformulated biopesticides (nanoBPs) and biofertilizers (nanoBFs) for contributing to more resilient vineyard systems. The application of VINNY nanoformulations will allow contributing to the ultimate switch from intensive to sustainable agriculture in viticulture, on a global scale. This will be achieved using naturalbased green circular economy concepts: i) grapevine to grapevine plant full cycle approach where microbiome-based metabolites and bioactives from different vineyards in Europe (Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark) will be investigated to form potent cocktails with antifungal and plant protection properties and ii) industrial by-products, namely carbon and nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) NPK-rich actives from sludges, originated from local waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) in Austria and Denmark from meat industry (MI), to be used as biofertilizers. The project is focused on stabilization and boosting the efficacy of these actives by using 2 different bioplatforms: the nanoformulation/encapsulation of BPs and the impregnation on agrotextiles with BFs. The platforms will be based on biodegradable, renewable and abundant bioresources from plants or, in the case of biopesticides, on dynamically active nanoformulations, i.e. based on stimuli responsive biopolymers with capacity of releasing the active and improving their efficacy upon external stimuli (wind) and/or internal clues (enzymes in fungi). VINNY will then validate these platforms according to their efficacy using in vitro, ex vivo and in plant testing against vine prevalent pathogens and evaluate their biocompatibility, confirm the absence of nanotoxicity, and in field tests with the best performing candidates in 4 EU vineyards. Such end-to-end development approach will allow for the optimization and adaptation of viticultural practices towards higher grape quality and productivity.
During Reporting Period 1 (M1–M18), VINNY achieved substantial progress towards all objectives, fully aligned with Annex 1. The project established the scientific, technological and organisational foundations for developing and scaling nano-enabled biopesticides (BPs), biofertilisers (BFs) and functional agrotextiles for sustainable viticulture.
Under RIO1, extensive vineyard sampling in Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark enabled the creation of comprehensive microbial and plant-derived bioactive libraries. Over 250 microbial isolates were screened against key grapevine pathogens, leading to the identification and molecular characterisation of at least six highly promising biopesticide candidates, together with phenolic-rich vine extracts. High-throughput in vitro and ex vivo assays supported candidate selection, achieving approximately 90% of the RIO1 KPI, with optimisation ongoing.
RIO2 focused on circular biofertilisers derived from sewage sludge, pruning residues and meat industry by-products. Biochars were produced and characterised, nitrogen-rich fractions recovered, and initial formulations combining nutrient-rich biochar and nitrogen sources developed. At least six promising mixtures were defined, with strong potential to replace mineral fertilisers.
For RIO3, core nanoencapsulation and agrotextile platforms were established. Selected bioactives and biofertilisers entered passive and stimuli-responsive nanoformulation development, targeting controlled release and improved stability. Lab-scale production of first nanoBPs was initiated, and agrotextile delivery concepts were launched.
Under RIO4, harmonised validation frameworks were set up, including advanced in vitro and grape berry assays and baseline vineyard performance definition, preparing for in planta and field trials in later stages.
RIO5 ensured early integration of safety and sustainability. A Safe and Sustainable-by-Design Platform (SSbD-P) was implemented, and methodologies for LCA, LCC, Social LCA and nanotoxicological assessment were initiated.
Regarding RIO6, dissemination and exploitation activities progressed strongly, including delivery of the initial plan, launch of the website and social media, clustering with EU projects, and the conceptual design of three Living Labs and one VINNY Lighthouse.
All RP1 deliverables were submitted or are advancing according to agreed amendments. Although no formal milestones were planned, the progress achieved confirms the scientific robustness, feasibility and readiness of VINNY to enter validation, scaling and impact-oriented phases in RP2.
Under RIO1, extensive vineyard sampling in Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark enabled the creation of comprehensive microbial and plant-derived bioactive libraries. Over 250 microbial isolates were screened against key grapevine pathogens, leading to the identification and molecular characterisation of at least six highly promising biopesticide candidates, together with phenolic-rich vine extracts. High-throughput in vitro and ex vivo assays supported candidate selection, achieving approximately 90% of the RIO1 KPI, with optimisation ongoing.
RIO2 focused on circular biofertilisers derived from sewage sludge, pruning residues and meat industry by-products. Biochars were produced and characterised, nitrogen-rich fractions recovered, and initial formulations combining nutrient-rich biochar and nitrogen sources developed. At least six promising mixtures were defined, with strong potential to replace mineral fertilisers.
For RIO3, core nanoencapsulation and agrotextile platforms were established. Selected bioactives and biofertilisers entered passive and stimuli-responsive nanoformulation development, targeting controlled release and improved stability. Lab-scale production of first nanoBPs was initiated, and agrotextile delivery concepts were launched.
Under RIO4, harmonised validation frameworks were set up, including advanced in vitro and grape berry assays and baseline vineyard performance definition, preparing for in planta and field trials in later stages.
RIO5 ensured early integration of safety and sustainability. A Safe and Sustainable-by-Design Platform (SSbD-P) was implemented, and methodologies for LCA, LCC, Social LCA and nanotoxicological assessment were initiated.
Regarding RIO6, dissemination and exploitation activities progressed strongly, including delivery of the initial plan, launch of the website and social media, clustering with EU projects, and the conceptual design of three Living Labs and one VINNY Lighthouse.
All RP1 deliverables were submitted or are advancing according to agreed amendments. Although no formal milestones were planned, the progress achieved confirms the scientific robustness, feasibility and readiness of VINNY to enter validation, scaling and impact-oriented phases in RP2.
During the reporting period, the project established the scientific and technological foundations for nano-enabled biopesticides, biofertilisers and functional agrotextiles for sustainable viticulture. Vineyard campaigns in Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark enabled the creation of bioactive libraries, with over 250 microbial isolates screened and at least six promising biopesticide candidates identified, alongside phenolic extracts and plant volatiles with strong antimicrobial activity. In parallel, circular biofertilisers were developed from sewage sludge, pruning residues and meat by-products, generating nutrient-rich formulations with potential to replace mineral fertilisers. Initial nanoencapsulation strategies and lab-scale formulations were produced, and a Safe and Sustainable-by-Design framework, including LCA and LCC, was implemented from the outset.
These results pave the way for reduced synthetic inputs, improved soil health and circular valorisation of residues in European viticulture. Next steps include in planta and field validation, pilot-scale demonstration, regulatory alignment, IP protection, business model development and stakeholder engagement to support scaling and commercialisation.
These results pave the way for reduced synthetic inputs, improved soil health and circular valorisation of residues in European viticulture. Next steps include in planta and field validation, pilot-scale demonstration, regulatory alignment, IP protection, business model development and stakeholder engagement to support scaling and commercialisation.