Nanoparticles loaded with jasmonate to fortify and induce natural defenses in plants

  • Universidad de Granada
  • From Spain
  • Responsive
  • Patents for licensing

Summary of the technology

A method for the production of calcium phosphate nanoparticles loaded with jasmonate for the induction of defense mechanisms in plants has been developed. The resulting product allows a controlled release of methyl jasmonate, ensuring efficient and long-term protection.

Universidad de Granada

Details of the Technology Offer

Methyl jasmonate (MeJ) is a plant hormone involved in defense mechanisms, acting as an elicitor, in addition to participating in different plant development pathways. It is a natural and clean alternative to the use of pesticides. However, the low solubility, thermal stability and cytotoxicity of MeJ limits its application, and it can even become toxic.

To overcome these drawbacks, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles have been used, a biocompatible and biodegradable material that, once loaded with MeJ, protects the compound against thermal degradation, ensures prolonged retention thereof on the surface of the leaves, and allows a controlled release of the hormone. All this contributes to prolonging its action in the long term, guaranteeing a more efficient treatment in the field.

The preparation method comprises the formation of a precipitate of calcium phosphate nanoparticles, their subsequent suspension in an aqueous medium in which the MeJ is dissolved, with the adsorption of the molecule taking place on the surface of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanocomposite is stable for long periods of time and, furthermore, has shown less cytotoxicity than free MeJ.

Thanks to the use of these nanoparticles, the frequency of application could be reduced compared to current products, and contribute to the lower use of pesticides, generating a positive impact on many levels.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

  • Prolonged action: the nanoparticles ensure a slow and controlled release of the MeJ elicitor.
  • Stability: nanocomposites are stable for more than 175 days.
  • Low cytotoxicity: the nanoelicitor has less toxicity than the free elicitor.
  • Natural and clean: nanoparticles represent an alternative to the use of pesticides, much more polluting and dangerous substances.
  • Comfort: the long duration of the product's action makes it possible to reduce the frequency of its application.

Current development status

Laboratory prototypes

Applications

Biotechnology

Environment

Agriculture

Desired business relationship

Patent licensing

Intellectual property status

  • Patent already applied for
  • Patent application number :EP21382662.1

Related Keywords

  • Agriculture and Marine Resources
  • Agriculture
  • Biocontrol
  • Crop Production
  • Pesticides
  • Protecting Man and Environment
  • Environment
  • Ecology
  • Sustainability
  • Plant and animal health
  • Plant health
  • nanoparticles
  • nanocomposites
  • methyl-jasmonate
  • calcium phosphate
  • nanoelicitor

About Universidad de Granada

Granada University is one of the most important universities of Spain. The main goal is to transfer technology that our research groups, more than 500, are developing to the industries and companies which are able to take profit from them. It is a general University so Research and Development are offered in different fields like Health Science and Technology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Environment and Natural Resources, Biotechnology, Information and Communication Technologies, Social, Economic and Legal Sciences....

We hope you find technologies of your interest which will allow us working together in the near future.

Universidad de Granada

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