Polypeptide Hybrid Nanogels for the Delivery of Agricultural Biostimulants.

The impact of climate change on agriculture is expected to lead to significant reduction in crop yield by the abiotic stress it causes for plants. With a growing world population, this puts a serious risk on future food security. The past concept of more fertiliser, more pesticides is not sustainable anymore due to the long-lasting negative effect this might have on the environment and human health. The use of biostimulants such as natural bacteria able to promote plant health and productivity is seen as the way forward. AgriGel aims to develop a novel approach in biostimulant formulation in which the bacteria are embedded in a polypeptide hydrogel containing sugar loaded polypeptide nanoparticles. In this system, the nature-inspired degradable polypeptides and the sugar provide the nutrients (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon) for the bacteria to grow once applied to the plant. The project aims at a proof-of-concept spanning from the synthesis of the nanoparticle loaded hydrogels to in vitro assays testing the nitrogen fixation and phosphorous solubilisation of the bacteria. This innovative project is placed at the intersection of polymer chemistry, material science, microbiology and agricultural technology. With Syngenta UK the project involves a multinational agricultural company offering several months of secondment and full access to their laboratories and expertise. This intersectoral project will provide an exceptional opportunity for the validation of the materials as well as a unique experience for the applicant in industrial R&D during secondments. The applicants’ expertise will be further enhanced by a dedicated training programme in scientific and complementary skills jointly offered by the academic and industry partner for a positive career impact. Project results will be communicated to the scientific community as well as the public to create further awareness of the importance of finding solutions to climate change impact on humanity.