M14: innovative carbohydrate ester fungicide for agriculture
M14 is a novel carbohydrate ester fungicide with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties. It's biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic to humans, offering potential for agricultural applications, including seed treatments.
Overview
M14 is an innovative carbohydrate ester fungicide developed for its wide-ranging antibacterial and antifungal properties. This biodegradable compound is environmentally friendly and non-toxic to humans, making it a promising solution for agricultural applications. M14 is particularly effective against a range of bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Fusarium graminearum. Its ability to degrade into harmless carbohydrates and fatty acids ensures it poses no environmental hazards. The compound's water solubility allows for easy formulation into various application forms, providing versatility for agricultural usage including seed treatment.
Technical specifications
- Antimicrobial spectrum: Effective against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium graminearum.
- Mode of action: Induces pore formation on microbial membranes, leading to cell death without observed resistance.
- Safety profile: No cytotoxicity to mammalian cells; environmentally friendly as it degrades into carbohydrates and fatty acids.
- Manufacturing: One-step chemical synthesis suitable for large-scale production.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. Future validation efforts will focus on its effectiveness against Fusarium virguliforme and in seed treatments targeting soybean sudden death syndrome. The project is seeking manufacturing partners and research sponsors to support production and further testing.
About Utah State University
Utah State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university (Carnegie R1) serving Utah through a flagship Logan campus and a statewide network. Industry connects through the Innovation Campus research park, where companies co‑locate with faculty and access shared facilities. USU’s Space Dynamics Laboratory, a US Space Force–sponsored University Affiliated Research Center, offers mission‑driven pathways for space and defense collaboration. Statewide Extension offices and field sites enable pilot deployments and real‑world validation across Utah’s diverse settings. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, USDA, NASA, and DoD, with Technology Transfer Services managing IP, licensing, and SBIR/STTR support.
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