From trash to treasure – the use of waste biomass to produce biopolymers coatings for seed protection

Currently, millions of people worldwide, suffer from both food insecurity and hunger. To address these issues, new strategies for more sustainable approach to agricultural practices are required. In this context, effective protection of seeds from seed-borne/soil-borne fungal pathogens and abiotic stresses (drought, temperature, salinity) is essential for sustainable crop production and improved food security. Efficient seed coatings can considerably improve the germination and establishment of seedlings. It can also improve overall plant growth, leading to a better quality of harvested product. Many conventional protective coatings contain agrochemicals and petroleum-derived plastic-like (microplastics) binders which pollute the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop safe, natural, microplastic-free formulations, which will help to reduce the impact of microplastic on agricultural soils and will be in-line with the principles of the circular economy.

In this project, we aim to valorise waste biomass for the biosynthesis of value-added products relevant to agriculture. Waste biomass will be used as a feedstock for microbes to produce soluble, hydrophilic  biopolymers for agricultural applications. Selected microalgae will be investigated for their antifungal activity. The obtained hydrophilic polymer, be admixed with microalgal antifungal compounds, to create a novel, antifungal, biobased seed-protective coating. Prepared formulations will be applied to coat selected seed types. The quality of coatings and their protective activity against fungal pathogens, their impact on germination and subsequent plant development will be assessed in glasshouse plant experiments.

The initial period of study will provide the candidate with a basic training in microbiology, use of fermenters (upstream and downstream processing), isolation and characterisation of biopolymers, electron microscopy, and data interpretation. During the 3 years project student will also be trained on a variety of analytical and biological equipment and will learn how to perform glasshouse experiments and assess plant growth and development.

For further information regarding the project or an informal discussion please contact Director of Studies, Prof Izabela Radecka  i.radecka@wlv.ac.uk