Nanogrow: A Platform for Encapsulation of Biostimulants to Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Mitigate Abiotic Stress in Crops of Interest

• Grant number: 25/00884-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Jhones Luiz de Oliveira
• Grantee: Jhones Luiz de Oliveira
• Associated researchers: Adriano Arrué Melo ; Anderson do Espirito Santo Pereira ; Estefânia Vangelie Ramos Campos ; Halley Caixeta de Oliveira ; Juliano Dalcin Martins
• Associated research grant: 22/07754-0 - Development of nanoencapsulated biostimulant formulation for application in Soybean (Glycine max L.) under water stress conditions, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 26/00962-7 - Development and optimization of a bench-scale process and evaluation of process scaling for polymeric nanoparticles containing plant growth regulators., BP.TT; 26/00746-2 - Nanogrow: A Platform for Encapsulation of Biostimulants to Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Mitigate Abiotic Stress in Crops of Interest, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This project builds upon the successful outcomes of PIPE Phase 1 and aims to increase the technological readiness level (TRL 7) of the developed solution, paving the way for technology transfer negotiations and market entry. In Phase 1, results demonstrated that B.nano provides a platform for the encapsulation of plant growth regulators using biopolymers such as lignin, zein, and chitosan. The formulations developed showed significant activity even under water stress conditions, resulting in a 28% productivity increase from seed treatment alone when compared to the control and outperforming a competing commercial formulation by 13%. Notably, when seed treatment was combined with foliar application, productivity gains were amplified, achieving a 66% increase over the control and 34% over the competing formulation.The current project is designed to ensure scalability, reproducibility, and stability of the formulations while validating their agronomic effects and evaluating toxicity parameters. The goal is to guarantee that the nanoformulations maintain their efficacy and quality across diverse environmental conditions, alongside a detailed analysis of their economic and commercial viability and the development of a strategic plan for market entry.PIPE Phase 1 was conducted in collaboration with ICTS/UNESP Sorocaba (PIPE-TC) and included contributions from associated researchers at the State University of Londrina and the Federal University of Santa Maria. For the project's continuation, specialized technical consultants in regulatory strategies, economic viability, and commercialization-including technology transfer-will be involved. Furthermore, partnerships with companies specializing in agronomic validation and ecotoxicological testing will be established. Resources will also be allocated for hiring key professionals, such as a biotechnologist, chemical engineer, agronomist, and business developer.By the end of this project, the biostimulant nanoformulation is expected to be ready for large-scale production with proven reproducibility and stability, as well as demonstrated efficacy in different agricultural environments. The success of this initiative will not only deliver a high-performance product but also lay a robust foundation for innovation within the agricultural sector. (AU)