Production of recombinant elicitor proteins for application in agriculture - a paradigm shift for agricultural biotechnology.

• Grant number: 24/09080-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Thamara Gonçalves Reis
• Grantee: Thamara Gonçalves Reis
• Company: BIOINSUMOS BRASIL PESQUISA E COMERCIO DE BIOPRODUTOS LTDA
• CNAE: Comércio atacadista de defensivos agrícolas, adubos, fertilizantes e corretivos do solo ; Testes e análises técnicas ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Robson de Almeida Faria ; SERGIO LUIZ MOREIRA NETO
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/21956-0 - Evaluation of the production and expression of elicitor proteins in the E. Coli and K. lactis platforms and their effects, BP.TT; 24/21012-1 - Production of recombinant elicitor proteins for application in agriculture: a paradigm shift for agricultural biotechnology, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces complex challenges, including the need to increase productivity while minimizing the environmental impacts of these activities. In Brazil, one of the global leaders in agricultural production, these challenges are particularly significant given the central role of the sector for the economy and food security. Among the main difficulties is the sustainable management of diseases and pests threatening crops. The traditional response based on the intensive use of chemical pesticides has led to problems of pathogenic resistance, environmental contamination, and risks to human and animal health. In this context, bioinputs emerge as promising solutions, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative for disease and pest control. This project proposes innovation in the field of bioinputs through the development of a technology based on the production of recombinant elicitor proteins using expression systems in Escherichia coli and Kluyveromyces lactis. Elicitor proteins activate plant defense mechanisms against pathogenic agents without the harmful effects associated with conventional treatments and also stimulate growth. The plan includes cloning, expression, purification of proteins, and the evaluation of their functionality in ex vivo assays with plant models such as soybeans (Glycine max). Ultimately, the innovation of this project could transform the bioinputs industry, positioning Bioinsumos Brasil as a reference in the development of sustainable alternatives to chemical disease and pest control through recombinant DNA technology, a technology already consolidated in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, and nutrition segments. In addition to contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of Brazilian agriculture, the technology offers a promising path to achieve technological independence in the production of biocontrol solutions, reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with conventional crop management. (AU)