Bioactive compounds from recycled plastic waste for agricultural applications

Overview

Denovia is developing a portfolio of novel bioactive compounds synthesized from monomer building blocks recovered through advanced chemical recycling of end-of-use plastic and textile waste. This approach valorizes plastic waste streams while creating functional agricultural chemicals. The portfolio includes three compound classes: bis-salicylic acid derivatives targeting plant development and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, symmetrical hydroxamic acid and hydrazide chelators designed to bind enzyme co-factor cations, and functionalized carbamates with insecticidal activity. Each class has been engineered with specific chemical moieties to interact with defined biochemical targets in plants and insects.

Technical specifications

Compound portfolio:

• Bis-salicylic acid derivatives: Symmetrical salicylic acid-based compounds designed to modulate specific biochemical target areas within crop plants, with potential to influence development pathways and stress resistance mechanisms
• Symmetrical hydroxamic acid/hydrazide chelators: Novel chelating agents with chemical moieties engineered to bind enzyme co-factor cations, potentially influencing metal-dependent enzymatic processes
• Functionalized carbamates: Carbamate derivatives featuring novel chemical moieties designed for insecticidal activity and targeted pest management

Sustainable synthesis approach:

• Starting materials derived from chemically recycled plastic and textile waste
• Depolymerization technology produces monomer building blocks suitable for bioactive compound synthesis
• Circular economy integration linking waste valorization to agricultural chemical production

Technology readiness level

The compounds are at an early research and development stage. Initial compound design has been completed using recycled monomer building blocks, with the next phase focused on laboratory validation of binding affinity, target interaction, and biological effects on crop plants and insect systems. Further validation studies are needed to confirm efficacy, optimize formulations, and assess field performance before commercial readiness can be achieved.