Dr. Gustavo Zúñiga, researcher at the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), is developing plant-based nanoparticles using native and Antarctic plants from Chile. This pioneering advance has potential applications in agriculture and medicine, promising to be more effective and sustainable than conventional options.
The nanoparticles, which have been obtained from more than 30 different species, including maqui and boldo, have properties that could improve pest and disease control in agriculture, reducing dependence on chemicals and lowering operating costs.
In addition, these nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionize disinfection in hospital settings by combating multidrug-resistant bacteria, a growing public health problem.
Dr. Zúñiga is in the process of patenting this technology, with clear commercial interest already expressed by industry, which sees these nanoparticles as a route to more responsible and sustainable agriculture and medical applications.
More efficient and eco-friendly
One of the advantages highlighted by Dr. Zúñiga is the economic efficiency of these nanoparticles. Since they are more active, a smaller amount is required per hectare, significantly reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with conventional fungicides.
In addition, these nanoparticles dissolve in larger volumes of water, which further reduces the amount needed to treat the same areas, making this approach an economically attractive solution for farmers. “The advantage of this is that the product is active at concentrations of milligrams per liter, unlike chemical fungicides, which are sometimes used at several grams per liter,” he explains.
Unlike conventional nanoparticles, green nanoparticles do not use polluting substances in their synthesis. This eco-friendly approach is a testament to the commitment to minimizing toxic waste and not using pollutants, in line with a global vision of more sustainable and responsible agriculture.
With these developments, the CEDENNA researcher and his team are not only promoting more sustainable and efficient agriculture, but are also opening new doors in the field of medicine and other industrial applications. Industry is already showing interest in their wide applications and environmental benefits, anticipating future collaborations to develop products based on these innovations.
