Biodegradable protein-based Pickering emulsion stabilizers for agriculture
Develop biodegradable protein-based Pickering emulsions to encapsulate hydrophobic bioactives for agriculture, enhancing bioactive delivery and reducing environmental impact through controlled, stimuli-responsive release.
Overview
Queen's University presents an innovative solution in agricultural biotechnology with biodegradable protein-based Pickering emulsion stabilizers. These emulsions are designed to encapsulate hydrophobic active agents, ensuring effective delivery while minimizing environmental impact. By utilizing cross-linkable protein fibers derived from biomass, this solution offers a sustainable approach to bioactive delivery, responding to environmental triggers such as pH, drought, and plant pathogens. This technology aims to enhance agricultural productivity by improving bioactive efficacy and reducing pollution due to runoff.
Technical specifications
The core technology involves the self-assembly of protein fibers from biomass and their chemical modification using green chemistry techniques. These fibers stabilize Pickering emulsions, which are then crosslinked to enhance stability and control degradation. The emulsions, in the 1 – 10 μm size range, are characterized for size, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. This system supports a tailored release of bioactives, adaptable to specific agricultural needs and environmental conditions. The use of click-type crosslinking chemistries ensures the tunability of the emulsions' properties.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has been validated in laboratory settings, demonstrating feasibility in creating stable emulsions and controlled bioactive release. Future steps include further validation through in planta studies within the Queen’s Phytotron, focusing on the release profiles and bioactivity of the encapsulated agents in agricultural applications.
About Queen's University
Queen’s University is a comprehensive public research institution with a large student body and global alumni network based in Kingston, Ontario. For industry, it offers a research and technology park with wet/dry labs, shared core facilities, and collaboration models from sponsored research to contract testing. Clinical translation is enabled by integration with Kingston’s major hospital system, providing governed access to patients, clinicians, and health data. Talent pipelines are built through structured internship programs and project-based engagements. Research is backed by Canada’s Tri‑Council agencies and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, plus provincial and industry support, and a dedicated tech transfer office advances IP, licensing, and startups.
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