Bio-nematicide oil-in-water pickering emulsions for plant root protection
Innovative bio-nematicide formulation using oil-in-water Pickering emulsions to encapsulate nematophagous fungi and toxins for controlled release and long-term plant root protection. Combines neem oil with biodegradable wood-based Pickering particles (cellulose nanocrystals or lignin colloids) for enhanced stability, UV resistance, and synergistic nematocidal activity against root-knot nematodes.
Overview
Root-knot nematodes pose a significant threat to global food security, causing an estimated $173 billion in crop losses annually. This research proposes a novel bio-nematicide solution that encapsulates nematophagous fungi and their toxins within oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions for controlled release at plant roots. The formulation uses neem oil as the oil phase, providing inherent antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, while the water phase incorporates biodegradable wood-based Pickering particles—either cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or lignin colloids—to enhance emulsion stability and UV resistance. This approach offers a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical nematicides.
Technical specifications
- Core technology: Oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by wood-derived particles
- Oil phase: Neem oil, selected for antimicrobial and insecticidal compatibility
- Pickering particles: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or lignin colloids for stability and UV resistance
- Active ingredients: Nematophagous fungi and associated toxins for synergistic nematocidal activity
- Key advantages: Fully biodegradable, non-toxic components; controlled release mechanism; enhanced stability under varying environmental conditions
- Target application: Long-term protection of plant roots against nematode infection
Technology readiness level
The research team has demonstrated prior success in fabricating Pickering emulsions for encapsulating entomopathogenic fungi, entomopathogenic bacteria, and water-soluble compounds for biopesticide applications. Future validation will focus on optimizing emulsion formulations across particle concentration, oil-to-water ratios, and active ingredient loading. Stability and encapsulation efficiency will be assessed through microscopy, GFP-tagged fungi, and viability testing under varied temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Release mechanisms will be evaluated under conditions simulating real-world plant root environments to confirm effective nematocidal performance.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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