The present LIST technology makes use of several elements, in order to provide an in situ constant flux of biopesticides and/or repellent product as part of a XXXX (name device or support?), namely:
1) a precursor (chosen among the inactive and non-toxic forms of the potential organic derivatives) mixed with mineral (e.g. phosphate buffer) and co-factors (e.g. ascorbic acid);
2) active enzymes (selected from the group of glycosidase, lyase and/or lachrymatory-factor synthase) in dry or liquid form;
3) a silica mesoporous material for enzymes’ immobilization;
4) hydrophilic gels for the microencapsulation of the silica mesoporous material.
The technology also envisages the use of an apparatus comprising plant fibres (such as hemp, flax fibres), coated with a hydrophobic layer hindering the release of by-products in the environment and preventing the fibres from drying and organized in a network providing a protective cover to plants. The apparatus can comprise a cartridge loaded with precursors, minerals and co-factors and connected on one hand to a water entry port and to the other to the fibre network.
Background:
Pest management is currently chiefly done by using synthetic chemicals, but the development of alternative and eco-friendly methods to control pests are encouraged to foster a sustainable agriculture.
Biocontrol makes use of macro-/micro-organisms, as well as animal and plant-sourced natural substances, such as pheromones, kairomones, as well as minerals for an integrated management of pests and pathogens.
Plant substances are known to exert a repelling activity against fungi, bacteria, nematodes or insects. For example, sulphur-containing molecules, such as those produced by Brassicaceae and the members of the genus Allium are toxic at low levels for a wide range of organisms.
The use of biopesticide precursors which are mixed with enzymes catalysing the production of repellents is documented and has been proposed for the production of glucosinolates, such as nitrile, thiocyanate or isothiocyanate. Both precursors and active enzymes can be used in dry form in a two-part pesticide system. When both components are mixed in the presence of water, the glucosinolate breakdown products are released to control pests. It should however be considered on one hand that the lifespan of active enzymes in the environment is relatively low and, on the other, that the substrates are usually hydrophilic and consequently easily leachable. There is thus a need to extend the lifespan of enzymes: one such possibility is offered by via their immobilization into silica mesoporous material which possess a sufficient pore diameter. An additional way to preserve the enzymes and extend their lifespan even under harsh environmental conditions (shifts in temperature, pH, UV irradiation) is via microencapsulation of the silica mesoporous material containing the immobilized catalyst in a hydrophilic gel resulting from the gelation of various natural compounds, e.g. agarose, agar-agar, alginate, pectin, starch or gelatine alone or in mixes. These gels allow the diffusion of small hydrophilic molecules and prevent the diffusion of large particles such as silica mesoporous materials that remain blocked in the polymeric network.
Benefits:
The precursor of the biopesticide and/or repellent product is an inactive and non-toxic form of the potential organic derivatives. The biopesticide and/or repellent preparation which is coated onto the fibres of the fibrous network and/or fibrous cover further comprises immobilized enzymes which provide enhanced catalytic activity compared to a non-immobilized form. The sustained release of the biocontrol agent and the increased stability of the enzyme is achieved via encapsulation in hydrophilic gels rendering it safe to use? for the general public.
Applications:Within the biocontrole market, the pest protection apparatus could be produced at larger scales, thereby finding applications in greenhouses and/or in private or market gardening.
Opportunity:
The technology has to be developed with an industrial collaborator.
Desired business relationship
Technology development
Other : Licensing
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a mission-driven Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT.
LIST develops competitive and market-oriented product/service prototypes for public and private stakeholders, and works across the entire innovation chain: fundamental/applied research, incubation, transfer of technologies.
By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.
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