SNAP nanoparticle fungicide prototype for sustainable treatment of fungal plant pathogens
SNAP (Surface oxidation of Nanoparticles Activates ROS formation and Prevents further replication) is an eco-friendly, sugar- and flavonoid-based nanoparticle fungicide designed to combat resistant fungal pathogens such as Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Penicillium. This project advances pilot-scale synthesis, dose optimization, and prototype development of a greener alternative to conventional fungicides for agriculture, forestry, and horticulture.
Overview
Fungal pathogens such as Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Penicillium threaten crop yields, forestry, and horticulture, and growing resistance to conventional fungicides has created an urgent need for safer, sustainable alternatives. SNAP is a novel class of sugar- and flavonoid-modified metal nanoparticle formulations that selectively stain and destroy fungal spores, mycelia, and conidiophores through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This project advances the SNAP platform from laboratory validation toward a commercially viable, eco-friendly plant protection product. Prior field testing on Sweet Yam showed meaningful control of anthracnose disease, supporting the technology's potential as a spray-applied fungicide.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Sugar-modified ligand chemistry: SNAP nanoparticles are synthesized using derivatized sugars and flavonoids derived from reagents found ubiquitously in plants and commonly ingested by humans, supporting a safer-by-design profile.
- Selective fungal targeting: The formulations selectively stain and destroy fungal spores, mycelia, and conidiophores, with visible staining of conidial spores and hyphae at concentrations around 10⁵ spores/mL.
- ROS-based mechanism of action: Surface oxidation of nanoparticles activates ROS formation, preventing further pathogen replication and reducing the likelihood of resistance development.
- Spray-applied delivery: Designed for straightforward, unmixed spray application in agricultural, forestry, and horticultural settings.
- Broad-spectrum relevance: Validated against anthracnose and positioned for testing against Fusarium, Penicillium, and Colletotrichum as model fungi.
Technology readiness level
The SNAP platform has completed initial laboratory and field validation, including demonstration of visible fungal staining and measurable disease control on Sweet Yam plants. The current project focuses on scaling up synthesis and characterization, determining the most effective dose against selected fungi and mycotoxins, and developing a commercial prototype. The technology is advancing from proof-of-concept toward pilot-scale readiness, with the goal of producing a plant protection product suitable for agricultural, forestry, and horticultural deployment.
About New Jersey Institute of Technology
NJIT is a public polytechnic research university (Carnegie R1) in Newark, serving the New York–New Jersey innovation corridor. Industry engages on campus through VentureLink, the university’s startup incubator in University Heights Science Park and the Newark Innovation Zone, and via a large makerspace that supports prototyping for external partners. The New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII), a corporation of NJIT, provides an industry‑facing gateway, including a venture‑studio model launched with the state’s economic‑development authority, to speed translation and scale. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE and DoD. An Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing Office manages IP, licensing and startup formation alongside NJII and VentureLink.
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