Effects of Supraparticles on Soil Microbiota: A Microcosm Approach

• Grant number: 25/02896-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Renato Grillo
• Grantee: Renato Grillo
• Principal researcher abroad: Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03219-2 - Development of multifunctional hybrid supraparticles as potential sustainable material for agrochemicals, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Nano-enabled agrochemicals have shown promising results in the agricultural sector, enhancing crop productivity and reducing environmental contamination. Recently, our research group has been developing supraparticles (SPs) by combining different types of nanoa-grochemicals (Grant nr. 2022/03219-2) to prolong the release of agricultural inputs and reduce their leaching into the environment, minimizing nontarget effects. However, little is known about the effects of these SPs on non-target soil organisms. In this context, this project aims to establish an international collaboration between Brazil (UNESP) and Italy (UniPd) to study the effects of supraparticles on soil bacteria and fungi through microcosm tests. In this proposal, we also plan to carry out in-person missions to facilitate the exchange of researchers and students, discuss results, and define strategies for developing a future project. Thus, based on this proposal, it will be possible to broaden the understanding of the impacts of this technology on the environment, enabling the development of more sustainable materials for the agricultural sector with potential future implementation. (AU)