Active nano-emulsions for sunlight-triggered molecular delivery in soil
Innovative nano-emulsion technology using sunlight to release active ingredients in soil, enhancing agricultural efficiency. Utilizes ROS-generating capsules for controlled hydrophobic liquid delivery. Two formulations, lauric acid-based and chitosan-based, tested for effectiveness.
Overview
This cutting-edge technology leverages sunlight to trigger the controlled release of active ingredients encapsulated within nano-emulsions in soil. The solution aims to enhance agricultural productivity by utilizing microscopic capsules that disintegrate under sunlight, releasing hydrophobic liquids. This technology offers a sustainable and efficient approach to soil treatment, optimizing the delivery of nutrients or pesticides during daylight hours.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Nano-capsules: Micro-sized capsules, less than 15 um, capable of carrying hydrophobic liquids.
- Sunlight-triggered release: Capsules utilize light-triggerable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generators, such as toluidine-blue or hematite/titania, to degrade and release contents.
- Two formulations:
- Lauric acid-based: Uses natural surfactants like alkyl polyglycolides and sorbitan-palmitate to form micelles.
- Chitosan-based: Employs amphiphilic block co-polymers functionalized with hydrophobic agents to form nano-micelles.
- Controlled delivery: Release can be tuned by sunlight exposure, ensuring efficient and targeted soil treatment.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 2, indicating that the concept and application have been formulated, and early-stage experimental work has been conducted to validate its feasibility. Further development and validation are planned to advance the readiness level.
About Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
IIT Roorkee is a leading public technical and research university in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, with a large residential campus and national reach. Industry connects through a centralized Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy office that brokers sponsored research, testing, and contract work, aided by proximity to Delhi–NCR and northern India’s manufacturing corridor. Central instrumentation enables advanced characterization for external partners, and an on‑campus incubator supports venture creation and scale-up. Research is backed by competitive national funding from India’s science and technology agencies and industry sponsors. A dedicated intellectual property and technology transfer office manages disclosures, patents, and licensing.
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