Engineered polysaccharide lyases for selective microbial pathogen control in agriculture

Overview

This offering centers on a proprietary platform of engineered polysaccharide lyases that selectively dismantle microbial cell walls by targeting unique polysaccharide assemblies found in fungal and bacterial pathogens. By exploiting differences in substrate specificity, the enzymes degrade essential structural components such as fungal chitin and bacterial polyuronides, killing pathogens without harming pollinators, plants, or beneficial organisms. The technology addresses persistent challenges in crop protection, food safety, and biofilm management, providing a biological alternative to conventional chemical fungicides and bactericides. Applications span pre- and post-harvest agriculture, with demonstrated efficacy against mildew and botrytis in wine grapes and against bacterial biofilms in simulated processing conditions.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Engineered polysaccharide lyases are designed using molecular determinants of substrate specificity identified through structural and biochemical characterization
• Design heuristics guide the redirection of enzyme activity toward non-native polysaccharides unique to target microbial cell walls
• Enzyme families include patented anti-fungal sequences and a patented class of enzymes targeting bacterial biofilm

Key features:

• Selective degradation of pathogen cell walls while preserving beneficial organisms and pollinators
• Manufactured according to EPA product registration standards
• Compatible with high-value crop applications including industrial hemp and cannabis
• High-throughput screening assay for fungal viability in development to expand pathogen coverage

Validation status:

• Published study plus two additional pending studies demonstrating selective degradation of bacterial, algal, and fungal cell walls
• Completed initial field trials showing efficacy against mildew and botrytis in wine grapes
• Completed initial toxicology and pollinator studies with successful results
• Demonstrated anti-biofilm enzyme efficacy in simulated processing conditions in partnership with the USDA

Technology readiness level

The technology has advanced beyond laboratory validation into field-ready deployment for anti-fungal applications, with manufacturing completed under EPA product registration standards and initial field trials successfully demonstrating efficacy. The anti-biofilm enzyme class has been validated in simulated processing conditions and is advancing toward broader application testing. Current development priorities include funding additional Summer 2021 field trials on high-value crops, developing a high-throughput screening assay to evaluate efficacy against additional fungal and bacterial pathogens, and supporting further assay development and field testing. The platform is positioned for collaborative validation with industry partners interested in identifying target pathogens and conducting simulated application studies.