The potential of intelligent nanostructures (NAVI) in the application of nutrients/pesticides (N/P) and the development of an AI algorithm for customization of MOF-N/P combinations

• Grant number: 23/10588-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Diêgo Ulysses de Melo
• Grantee: Diêgo Ulysses de Melo
• Company: Mof Dev Ltda
• CNAE: Desenvolvimento de programas de computador sob encomenda ; Consultoria em tecnologia da informação
• City: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Leonardo Martins Carneiro

Abstract

Recent research demonstrates excellent results in using intelligent nano vehicles (NAVI) to apply nutrients/pesticides (N/P) in the agricultural sector compared to the current model of N/P application. The NAVI exhibits lower toxicity, greater safety in application, reduced N/P usage, and increased productivity. Among the families of NAVIs, the most widespread and potentially applicable is the Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) type, as it offers a wide variety of organic ligands and metallic ions available that allow for regulating cavity size, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity degree, stability in aggressive environments, toxicity, N/P release time, and other physicochemical properties. While there aren't currently agricultural technologies based on NAVIs available in the market, their application potential has already been demonstrated. As a result, the entrance of this technology into the portfolios of major agrochemical developers is imminent. The technological solution involves the development of an algorithm based on Artificial Intelligence that enables the best combinations of MOFs and N/P for NAVI production to use in agriculture. Due to the numerous MOFs and N/P available to produce a NAVI, it is expensive to experimentally test all these combinations. Therefore, an advisory service could fill the gap by offering a customized catalog based on customer demand, providing personalized data grounded in scientific research, and substantially cutting down product development time. This idea is innovative, with no similar technology companies in the market, and takes a direct approach to precision agriculture development. (AU)