Tag Archives: food security

Lignin nanoparticles for herbicide delivery systems (an agriculture story)

Leave a reply

This explanation of how this research relates to food security is direct from the paper’s introduction and helped me, Note: Links have been removed,

The constantly growing world population has caused nations to struggle with food shortages, while farmers face crop turbulence with weed competition. (1) Weeds have developed resistance to herbicides, chemical compounds used to protect plants against them, for the last 60 years. Also, herbicides can be easily driven through leaching, drifting, or running off into the water and accidentally harming off-target plant species, animals, and humans. This highlights the need for new techniques to be developed and implemented. (2,3) Over time, the use of nano-enabled agriculture has demonstrated efficiency in delivery of herbicides (nanoherbicide) by increasing herbicidal activity and decreasing environmental impact. (4) Nanoherbicides can be derived from diverse materials (organic, inorganic, or hybrid), with organic nanomaterials being highlighted for their eco-friendly properties and effectiveness that may minimize risks to nontarget organisms and ecosystems. (5,6)

Lignin is a sustainable, natural, and organic macromolecule derived from agricultural waste. It comprises a complex phenolic structure in plant cell walls, formed by benzene units in aromatic regions and hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, and ether functional groups in aliphatic parts. This arrangement allows the formation of diverse structures (e.g., capsules, triangular, and spherical), with spherical lignin nanoparticles (SLNPs) being well known for their smooth surfaces. (7,8) SLNPs are usually prepared using the antisolvent precipitation method, where aggregation forms nanoparticles with hollows attributed to π–π interactions in the benzene rings and shells formed by hydrogen bonding among carboxylic–phenolic groups in water and forming hydrophobic core/hydrophilic shell structures. (9) Recently, lignin has been explored to design nanodevices in the agricultural sector. (10) For instance, lignin-based nanoparticles can be stored for extended periods, (7) possess UV-blocking properties that may prevent active ingredients from degradation, (11) promote controlled release of active ingredients, (5,10) and lignin-composited nanocapsules have been studied as nanoherbicides. (12)

…

This illustrative image is part of the abstract,

Courtesy: ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2025, 13, 37, 15460-15477

Hopefully that made this description more understandable. From the paper’s abstract,

Recent advances in nanoscience have reduced herbicide usage while maintaining crop yields, and sustainable materials, such as lignin, have emerged as promising nanocarriers for herbicide delivery. Spherical lignin nanoparticles (SLNPs) with atrazine (SLNPs_ATZ) were designed, characterized, and applied to nontarget and target plants in this work. SLNPs_ATZ displayed spherical shapes with sizes near 178 nm by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and 136 nm by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), with a 74.2% loading efficiency and a 43.26% release percentage after 168 h. Chemical computational modeling revealed lower gap energies between atrazine and lignin, indicating strong carrier/bioactive interactions. Hydroponic experiments were conducted with butterhead lettuce with sublethal doses of atrazine (30 μg/L) for 28 days, and lettuce treated with SLNPs and SLNPs_ATZ showed no significant changes in root length/shoot area compared to the control. Lipid peroxidation and catalase (biochemical tests) showed significant differences between lettuce treated with atrazine and all other treatments. Gene expression of catalase-1 (CAT1) and GST6 genes indicated a possible stress tolerance in lettuce by SLNPs. Moreover, PER51 gene results indicated damage from SLNPs_ATZ and ATZ. Based on the weed control assessment, seeds/seedlings showed possible germination/development interference by SLNPs_ATZ. These findings highlight lignin as a sustainable molecule for developing nanocarriers with potential effects on gene expression and improved weed control.

Here’s a link to and a citation for the paper,

Sustainable Lignin Nanoparticles for Herbicide Delivery Systems: Preparation, Characterization, and Effects on Target and Nontarget Plants (or PDF) by Pedro H. C. de Lima, Maria C. Shiroma Buri, Rafaela S. Mendonça, Gabriel M. Favara, Érica R. Biscalchim, Mariana M. L. H. Forini, Luiz A. F. Cavalcante, Renato Grillo. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.) 2025, 13, 37, 15460–15477 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c05651 Published September 11, 2025 Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .

This paper is open access.

Nanoparticle smart spray for crop protection

Leave a reply
Caption: Image at 3,000x magnification shows the SENDS nanoparticles (in blue) surrounding the stomata of a plant Credit: College of Design and Engineering at NUS

A June 2, 2025 National University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering press release (also on EurekAlert) announces a nanoparticle smart spray, Note: A link has been removed,

As climate change fuels the spread of plant diseases worldwide, a new nanoparticle smart spray could help crops defend themselves by blocking harmful bacteria from entering through tiny pores in their leaves.

The spray is made of nano-sized particles developed by a team led by Assistant Professor Tedrick Lew from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). These nanoparticles are designed to deliver antibacterial compounds directly to the plant’s stomata – the pores on a plant’s leaves that let it breathe, but which can also act as gateways for infection.

“The particles, which we’ve called ‘SENDS’ – short for stomata-targeting engineered nanoparticles – are designed to stick precisely to these pores, like a lock finding its key,” said Asst Prof Lew. “Once in place, they release natural antibacterial agents that stop pathogens from getting inside and infecting the plant.”

The team’s research was published in the journal Nature Communications on 23 May 2025.

Smarter tools

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, plant diseases destroy an estimated US$220 billion worth of crops globally every year. 

Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns caused by climate change are giving pests and pathogens more opportunities to spread. Left unchecked, these could erase many of the gains expected from new farming technologies and improved crop varieties.

“Around the world, climate change is making it easier for plant diseases to spread and harder for farmers to keep them under control,” said Asst Prof Lew. “We need smarter tools that help plants protect themselves in a more precise and sustainable way.”

Unlike conventional pesticides that blanket entire plants and can harm surrounding ecosystems, SENDS delivers treatment precisely where it is needed, minimising waste and collateral damage.

The particles are made from zinc, a micronutrient already found in fertilisers. They are engineered to be porous so they can carry antibacterial agents, and they gradually dissolve after being sprayed, releasing their contents over time. The result is a water-based spray that can be applied just like conventional agricultural treatments and which leaves the plants’ natural functions, such as photosynthesis and gas exchange, unaffected.

20 times more resistant

In lab tests, the research team showed that plants treated with the targeted particles were 20 times more resistant to infection than those given non-targeted treatments. The spray worked on a range of food crops, including leafy vegetables such as pak choy, beans, rice and barley. It also stuck well to leaf surfaces even after rainfall, helping reduce runoff and pollution from excess agrochemicals.

“This is about stopping infections before they start,” said Asst Prof Lew. “By blocking bacteria entry precisely at the gate, we protect the plant without overwhelming it with chemicals.”

The researchers believe the same approach could be adapted for a wide range of crops and used to deliver other treatments, such as pesticides or RNA-based molecules. It should also be suitable for use in most farming regions around the world, they say.

Whilst further development and field tests are needed, the SENDS technology could help reduce farmers’ reliance on excessive chemical sprays while improving crop resilience, helping to boost food security and protect the environment.

Here’s a link to and a citation for the paper,

Stomata-targeted nanocarriers enhance plant defense against pathogen colonization by Suppanat Puangpathumanond, Heng Li Chee, Cansu Sevencan, Xin Yang, On Sun Lau & Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew. Nature Communications volume 16, Article number: 4816 (2025) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60112-w Published: 23 May 2025

This paper is behind a paywall.

Café Scientifique (Vancouver, Canada) April 26, 2016 talk about why food security is contentious and TEDx East Van has some science speakers for April 23, 2016

Leave a reply

Café Scientifique

It seems Vancouver’s (Canada) Café Scientifique has found a new venue after having to cancel last month’s (March 2016) talk when their previous venue, The Railway Club, abruptly closed its doors after some 80 years. The Big Rock Urban Brewery (310 West Fourth Avenue, just east of Cambie St.) is hosting the next Café Scientifique talk, from the April 6, 2016 notice received via email,

Our next café will happen on Tuesday April 26th, 7:30pm at Big Rock Urban Brewery. Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Navin Ramankutty, a Professor of Global Food Security and Sustainability at UBC [University of British Columbia]. The title of his talk is:

A Framework for Understanding Why Food Security Discussions are Contentious

There is a contentious debate regarding the best approach to achieving food security in an environmentally sustainable and socially just manner. Some advocate for new technological systems, such as genetic modification or vertical farming, while others argue for organic agricuture or local food systems. Still others argue that agriculture does not need a revolution and that we simply need to improve current farming practices. Even the overall objectives are unclear, with some arguing that we need to double food production by 2050 while others suggest that we already have enough food on this planet to feed 10 billion. In this talk, I will use an assessment framework to explore the available evidence supporting or opposing the various claims about the most sustainable way to farm on our planet. The broad assessment offers some insights on why we argue about food security.

You can find out more about Dr. Ramankutty here,

Navin Ramankutty is Professor in Global Food Security and Sustainability, Liu Institute for Global Issues and Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus. His research addresses the overarching question of how to improve food security for 9-10 billion people while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.  To address this challenge, he develops global data sets of agricultural land use practices, conducts global analysis of the environmental outcomes of agriculture (using statistical analysis and agroecosystem models), and identifies solutions and leverage points.

…

There is more about Raminkutty on his UBC Liu Institute profile page,

Navin Ramankutty is Professor in Global Food Security and Sustainability, Liu Institute for Global Issues and Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus. His research addresses the overarching question of how to improve food security for 9-10 billion people while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.  To address this challenge, he develops global data sets of agricultural land use practices, conducts global analysis of the environmental outcomes of agriculture (using statistical analysis and agroecosystem models), and identifies solutions and leverage points.

…

TEDxEastVan 2016

This event is taking place Sunday, April 23, 2016 at the York Theatre from 9 am to 4:30 pm with an after party at the Big Rock Urban Brewery. For science types, two speakers are of particular interest, assuming they will be talking about science and not their personal life journeys From the TEDxEastVan 2016 Speakers page,

Dr. Sam Wadsworth

Sam is a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur. He completed his Ph.D. in respiratory cell biology in the UK before relocating to Vancouver in 2007 to work as an academic researcher at St. Paul’s Hospital. In 2013, Sam co-founded a biotechnology company that uses a unique bioprinting technology that has the potential to revolutionise how we treat disease and the ageing process. He sees a future where human tissues can be provided on demand, where donor organs are built, not harvested, and where drugs are tested on bioprinted artificial tissues, not animals.

Dominic Walliman

Dominic Walliman is a physicist, and award-winning science writer. He received his PhD in quantum device physics from the University of Birmingham and currently works at D-Wave Systems Inc., a quantum computing company in Vancouver. Dominic grew up reading science books and remembers vividly the excitement of discovering the mind-boggling explanations that science gives us about the Universe. If he can pass on this wonder and enjoyment to the next generation, he will consider it a job well done.

There are 12 speakers in total and they are hoping for 250 audience members. The TEDxEastVan 2016 ticket page notes this,

TEDxEastVan is a day-long event that brings together creators, catalysts, designers, and thinkers to share their ideas on the TEDx stage. A day of listening that invites thought, discussion, and play — the TEDx talks are interspersed with activities, performances, and food worth eating. Our theme this year is “MOVE.”

TEDxEastVan is dedicated to discovering great ideas and sharing them with the rest of the world. Acting as a hub of energy and inspiration, the TEDxEastVan stage will bring unique thinkers together in a platform for sharing wisdom and experiences. It is a chance to welcome interesting people into the community and to showcase and celebrate the dynamic ideas which exist in East Vancouver.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET?

  • Morning coffee/tea and light snack at the York Theatre during registration
  • SESSION ONE Talks and Performances inside the York Theatre
  • Lunchtime meal and drink at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre
  • Lunchtime activities at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre
  • SESSION TWO Talks and Performances inside the York Theatre
  • Afternoon break with coffee/tea and light snack at the Aboriginal Friendship Centre
  • SESSION THREE Talks and Performances inside the York Theatre

Your ticket will also include a free ticket to the Taste of East Van TEDxEastVan exclusive AFTER-PARTY at Big Rock Urban Brewery ( 310 W 4th Ave.). Ticket includes beer tastings from 13 East Van breweries that have partnered with the event, live musical and dance performances and plenty of snacks! Keep the conversation going with a chance to mingle directly with speakers, brewers, partners and the conference organizers.

We’re so looking forward to meeting you all! 🙂

ALL TICKET SALES END APRIL 15, 2016 AT 11:30PM PST.  << Updated
ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS AT ANYTIME.

Tickets are $67.88 (student) and $83.40, respectively. I imagine taxes will be added.

Hopefully one or other of these events will appeal.

Joint India-Australia nanobiotechnology research centre opens in India

1 Reply

I first wrote about the TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Research Centre (a joint India-Australia partnership) in my Nov. 30, 2010 posting when the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was first signed. According to the Feb. 24, 2012 news item on Nanowerk, the centre has recently opened,

Speaking at the inauguration of the new lab facilities, Hon’ble Louise Asher, MP and Minister for Innovation, Services & Small business, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Australia said, “This outstanding facility is the result of a dynamic partnership between The Energy and Resources Institute of India (TERI) and Victoria’s [Australia] own Deakin University to augment research in the area of Nano Biotechnology, which will enable efficiency, effectiveness and provide solutions for a sustainable future.”

Highlighting the importance of TERI-DEAKIN partnership, Dr RK Pachauri, Director-General, TERI said, “Research at TERI seeks to find solutions to problems related to attaining sustainability and environmental degradation and has made a difference to the lives of many people. The organization’s commitment to these areas is a continuous process, and setting up the TERI-Deakin Nano Biotechnology Research Centre is one of the means through which, TERI plans to create capacity and expertise for technological solutions to problems of inefficient use of natural resources.”

Professor Jane den Hollander, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University said that the centre provided a hub for up to 50 PhD students who are undertaking research under the Deakin India Research Initiative (DIRI).

“What is particularly pleasing about this centre is that it is tackling research into global issues such as food security for a growing world population, sustainable agricultural practices and environmental sustainability,” she said.

The new facility opened in Gual Pahari, Gurgaon, approximately 35 mins. away (by car) from New Delhi, India (according to Feb. 24, 2012 article in the Asian Scientist about the new TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Research Centre).