Engineered Amine-Epoxide Nanogels as New Nutrient Carrier and Application for Sustainable Crop Production.

• Grant number: 24/13820-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 03, 2024
• End date: August 02, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Ferreira Molina
• Grantee: Felipe Breda Alves
• Supervisor: Gregory V Lowry
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/13408-7 - Micro- and nanogel based on polyetheramine-bisepoxide as new carrier for controlled release of plant micronutrients, BP.DD

Abstract

Plant nanobiotechnology is a rapidly advancing field of scientific research. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which nanoparticles penetrate plant surfaces, plant cells, and organelles remains limited. In this project, we will synthesize and characterize nanogels made from aliphatic polyetheramines and epoxide for efficient delivery of active agents. In particular, we will evaluate the efficacy of these gels to deliver a Cu-based biostumulant to seeds and to leaves. The gels will be prepared by a facile one-pot process through aggregation polymerization of an in situ formed polymer. The current project will advance research on amine-epoxide nanogels for agricultural applications in the thesis of the doctoral student. Additionally, working along side associate researchers from an international university will be extremely important for i) the development and discussion of the project results, ii) internationalization of the postgraduate program at UNIFRAN, and iii) the expansion of the lead researcher's professional network. At the final BEPE-DD internship this project may contribute to advance the application of nanomateriais in agricultural science and provide insigths how amine-epoxide polymeric particles can bennefit plant development and resistane to climate stresses.