Novel boron-containing carboxylic acids and lactones as antifungal fungicides for agricultural pathogens
A library of structurally unique boron-containing carboxylic acid and lactone compounds developed at West Virginia University with potential broad-spectrum antifungal activity against agricultural plant pathogens. Seeking partnership for in vitro validation, comparative screening, and fungicide development.
Overview
This offering presents a library of novel boron-containing carboxylic acid and lactone compounds developed in the Popp lab at West Virginia University. These structurally unique small molecules are hypothesized to act as broad-spectrum antifungal agents against common agricultural plant pathogens. Boron-containing small molecules have demonstrated antifungal activity across a range of fungal targets, and this collection of new chemical scaffolds represents an untapped opportunity for next-generation fungicide development. The compounds are positioned for use in crop protection and agricultural disease management applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Structurally unique boron-containing carboxylic acid compounds synthesized in-house
- Structurally unique boron-containing lactone compounds synthesized in-house
- Designed to target a broad spectrum of agricultural fungal pathogens
- Small-molecule format suitable for formulation and agricultural application
- Potential for development as standalone fungicides or in combination with existing commercial products
The compounds are synthesized using established organic chemistry methods in the Popp laboratory. Future validation will involve in vitro antifungal screening to establish EC50 values against representative fungi, conducted in the BioNano Shared Research Facility at West Virginia University. Comparative testing against commercial fungicides is planned to benchmark efficacy.
Technology readiness level
The compounds have been synthesized and are ready for initial in vitro antifungal validation. The planned one-year validation study will establish EC50 values for representative fungi and benchmark performance against commercial fungicides. The project is currently seeking a partner to provide expert guidance on fungal target selection, provision of fungal strains and commercial fungicide comparators, access to specialized in vitro screening equipment not currently available on-site, and funding for key personnel. Successful in vitro results would support progression toward greenhouse and field trials for agricultural fungicide development.
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university headquartered in Morgantown and serving the state through academics, research, and outreach. For industry, a statewide Extension network provides on‑the‑ground access to communities, facilities, and field sites, while an integrated academic medical center and health system enable clinical research and translational partnerships. The university connects corporate R&D with talent through co‑op and internship pipelines and applied engagements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and USDA. WVU’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization manages IP, licensing, and startup pathways to provide a clear entry point for collaboration.
delivered to your inbox.