Rhamnolipid biosurfactant for biological control of fusarium species

Overview

This research program develops an environmentally friendly biocontrol strategy against Fusarium species, a group of destructive fungal pathogens that cause significant yield losses in crops such as wheat and tomato. The approach centers on rhamnolipid, a biologically derived surface-active compound that disrupts fungal spore germination and mycelium development by interfering with membrane integrity. Because rhamnolipid is biodegradable and non-toxic, it offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides. A key innovation is the use of waste frying oils as a low-cost feedstock for rhamnolipid production, simultaneously addressing agricultural waste streams and reducing overall production costs. The program also emphasizes the use of partially purified rhamnolipid or cell-free fermentation broth, minimizing expensive downstream purification while retaining antifungal efficacy.

Technical specifications

• Active agent: Rhamnolipid biosurfactant, optionally combined with other biosurfactants produced by the team
• Mode of action: Disruption of fungal cell membrane structure, preventing spore germination and mycelium development
• Production feedstock: Waste frying oils and other waste materials, supporting circular-economy principles
• Application formats: Cell-free fermentation broth, partially purified rhamnolipid, and fully purified rhamnolipid
• Target pathogens: Fusarium verticillioides, F. solani, F. oxysporum, and F. graminearum
• Application methods: In vitro plate assays and greenhouse spray application on wheat and tomato seedlings
• Environmental profile: Biodegradable and non-toxic, suitable for sustainable agricultural use

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary in vitro studies have confirmed the antifungal activity of purified rhamnolipid and cell-free fermentation broth against Fusarium species in petri dish assays. Upcoming validation work over approximately 12 months will evaluate rhamnolipid produced from waste frying oils against multiple Fusarium species in direct, partially purified, and fully purified forms. A second 12-month phase will assess greenhouse spray application on wheat and tomato seedlings. The program aims to demonstrate that partially purified rhamnolipid can deliver effective biocontrol, reducing purification costs and supporting practical agricultural deployment.