Layered seed protection with synthetic microbiome and biogenic nanoparticles
Multilayered seed coating combines biogenic silver nanoparticles and engineered rhizosphere bacteria for enhanced seed protection against Pythium infection and improved plant vigor.
Overview
The proposed solution is a novel multilayered seed coating designed to protect seeds and seedlings from soil-borne pathogens, specifically Pythium, while promoting plant growth. This technology incorporates biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNP) as an outer protective layer and a synthetic microbiome consortium as an inner layer. The AgNP serve as a physical and chemical barrier, preventing fungal infections, while the inner microbial layer, including Streptomyces and Bacillus species, colonizes the root system to enhance plant health and resistance.
Technical specifications
- Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles (AgNP): Act as an antifungal barrier, disrupting mycelial membranes and generating reactive oxygen species to inhibit pathogen growth.
- Synthetic Microbiome Consortium: Composed of rhizosphere bacteria that produce growth-promoting and defense signaling compounds, altering root architecture and providing antifungal activities.
- Host-Mediated Microbiome Engineering (HMME): Utilized to isolate and tailor the protective microbial community for effective pathogen suppression and seedling vigor.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, the technology is in the experimental proof-of-concept stage. Future validation includes greenhouse trials to measure germination rates and field trials to assess effectiveness and optimize application.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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