Research project Lignin-fatty acid hybrid materials for advanced agricultural applications (LIFAGRO)
To counter detrimental impacts of climate change and population growth LIFAGRO will develop biobased materials for advanced agricultural applications.
Renewable resources, especially lignin, fatty acids, and natural waxes, will be used as raw materials for these new hybrid and nanostructured materials. In addition to multiscale characterization, we will study the applications of these materials in plant models using cultivated model food crops. Based on these studies, we will attempt to establish structure-function relationships to draw conclusions on the importance of lignin source, structure, and properties, laying the foundation for follow-up work on lignin-based hybrid materials.
Project description
Climate change, population growth, and consumer awareness on sustainability pose a challenge to increase agricultural production per land area. To achieve this, disruptive technologies and innovative materials are needed. LIFAGRO responds to this need by developing new hybrid materials that are sourced from lignin, fatty acids, and natural waxes. These renewable non-food biomass components will be used to synthesize three types of nanostructured materials for advanced agricultural applications. Hybrid nanoparticles will be developed for enzyme-triggered controlled release of pesticides on specific plant tissues. Water-resistant coatings will be generated for slow-release fertilizers that avoid uncontrolled leaching of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium and so help avoid overuse of fertilizers. Thirdly, hydrogel films with tailored drought-resistant properties and capability to protect plants from biological degradation will be elaborated for crop protection. Lignin-based hybrid nanoparticles and microfibers will be used as functional agents in the composite hydrogels. The developed materials will be characterized and tested using wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays L.) as model food crops. Structure-function relationships will be established to draw conclusions on the importance of lignin source (softwood kraft lignin or soda grass lignin), and to lay the foundation for follow-up work on lignin-based hybrid materials.
Project members
Project managers
Mika Sipponen
Assistant Professor
Members
Edouard Pesquet
Professor
Matilda Andersson
PhD Student
Bruno Mattos
Research fellow
Orlando Rojas
Professor