Biomass valuation for agricultural applications: Use of nanolignin in sustainable hydrogels for controlled release of phosphorus in soils

• Grant number: 24/01872-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10639-5 - Center for Research on Biodiversity Dynamics and Climate Change, AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/14149-0 - Valuing biomass for agricultural applications: Use of nanolignin in sustainable hydrogels for the controlled release of phosphorus in soils, BP.JD

Abstract

This research project focuses on improving the availability of phosphorus in the soil, a vital nutrient for plant growth. The lack of phosphorus in soils with frequent rainfall represents a challenge for agriculture. To resolve this issue, the research proposes the development of a nanostructured material from renewable sources, using nanolignin derived from Kraft lignin through fractionation with organic solvents. Nanolignin production will occur using a spray-dryer. The characterization will cover analyzes of molar mass distribution (GPC), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), chemical structure (FTIR and NMR) and morphology (AFM). The lignin fractions will serve as crosslinking agents in the production of cassava starch-based hydrogels. The hydrogel properties will be evaluated, including chemical structure (FTIR), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), swelling capacity (difference in initial and final mass), phosphorus adsorption/absorption (EDS), morphology (SEM) and control capacity. phosphorus release (ICP-OES). The application of hydrogels will be tested on simulated soil, adjusting moisture levels to simulate soils with high rainfall. The objective is to contribute to sustainable agriculture by providing an innovative approach to optimize the absorption of phosphorus by plants and overcome the challenges associated with the scarcity of this nutrient, thus promoting more efficient and sustainable agricultural production. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

RODRIGUES, JESSICA S.; DE FREITAS, AMANDA S. M.; VIEIRA, HENRIQUE O. S.; EMIDIO, LIVIA S.; AMARO, STEFANNY F.; AZEVEDO, MARIANA A.; DUARTE, IOLANDA C. S.; BOTARO, VAGNER R.; FRACETO, LEONARDO F.; FERREIRA, MARYSTELA. Designing sustainable soil conditioners: Nanocomposite-based thermoplastic starch for enhanced soil health and crop performance. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, v. 297, p. 14-pg., 2025-01-14. (17/21004-5, 23/06505-9, 24/14149-0, 14/50869-6, 21/10639-5, 23/00335-4, 24/01872-6)