Biosynthesized silica and metal nanoparticles for sustainable pest management
Green pest-control platform using biosynthesized silica and metal nanoparticles (Ag, Cu, Se, Si, Ti, Zn) that suppress crop and stored-product pests while selectively enhancing natural enemy attraction through modified plant volatiles. Seeking greenhouse or field sites and funding for concentration optimization across soybean, rice, and crucifer crops.
Overview
This solution offers a nanoparticle-based pest management approach that targets insect pests while preserving beneficial natural enemies. The core insight is that silica nanoparticles (NPs) suppress pest populations in a concentration-dependent manner, yet at carefully optimized low concentrations they can simultaneously enhance the attraction of predators and parasitoids. This selective effect is mediated by herbivore-induced plant volatiles that are modified when plants are treated with silica NPs, creating a chemical signal that draws natural enemies to infested crops.
The platform extends beyond silica to include biosynthesized metal and nonmetal nanoparticles (Ag, Cu, Se, Si, Ti, Zn) produced using fungal extracts. Laboratory work on the stored-product beetle Callosobruchus showed that four of these NPs reduced both egg numbers and survival across egg, larval, and adult stages. Because the nanoparticles are biosynthesized rather than chemically manufactured, the approach is well suited to conservation pest management programs in sustainable agriculture and stored-product protection.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Silica NPs reduce pest populations in a concentration-dependent way in both laboratory and field settings
- Low silica NP concentrations increase predator abundance shortly after application, confirmed by olfactometer bioassays showing predator preference for infested plants treated with silica NP over water-treated controls
- Six NPs (Ag, Cu, Se, Si, Ti, Zn) biosynthesized using a Fusarium fungal strain
- Four of these NPs decreased egg production and survival of the stored-product pest Callosobruchus across multiple developmental stages
- Mechanism operates through modification of herbivore-induced plant volatiles that recruit natural enemies
- Concentration range of 50 to 400 mg/L under evaluation for crop-specific optimization
- Applicable to multiple crop systems (soybean, rice, crucifers) and pest guilds (grazers, suckers, miners)
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Silica NP effects on pest reduction and predator attraction have been validated in laboratory, field, and olfactometer studies, with a manuscript in preparation for Journal of Pest Science. Biosynthesized metal and nonmetal NPs have shown efficacy against a stored-product beetle, with results in preparation. Future validation requires laboratory and greenhouse experiments across multiple crop-pest-natural enemy systems to identify optimal NP concentrations and recipes. The research team is actively seeking a partnership that can provide greenhouse or experimental field facilities and funding for key personnel to advance the technology toward broader field deployment.
About Kyushu University
Kyushu University is a leading national, comprehensive research university in Fukuoka with a multi‑campus footprint and a collaborative culture. Industry engagement is enabled by co‑located core facilities and open innovation space at major campuses, company liaison services, and an entrepreneurship ecosystem linked to nearby incubators. Integration with Kyushu University Hospital supports clinical research, trials, and translation. The university works closely with regional government and companies across Kyushu’s manufacturing and semiconductor corridor, benefiting from air and seaport logistics for piloting and scale‑up. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with research supported by funding from JSPS, JST, AMED, and NEDO.
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