Sustainable UV stabiliser with antifungal activity through engineered biology
A natural product-based UV stabiliser with antifungal properties, produced by engineered bacteria, offering oil-soluble, thermally stable solutions for agrochemical applications.
Overview
This innovative solution presents a natural product-based UV stabiliser with antifungal activity, developed through engineered bacterial systems. It offers significant advantages for agrochemical applications, including UV protection and added crop protection through antifungal properties. The compounds are designed to be oil-soluble and thermally stable, making them ideal for incorporation into oil-based agrochemical formulations. The solution meets key safety and environmental criteria, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to traditional particle-based UV stabilisers.
Technical specifications
- UV Absorption: Broad absorption in the 260–450 nm range.
- Solubility and Stability: Highly soluble in hydrophobic solvents and thermally stable up to 90 °C.
- Antifungal Activity: Selective activity with low mammalian and plant toxicity, targeting the fungal cell envelope.
- Production: Biosynthetic route yields up to 150 mg/L, with potential for optimisation.
- Environmental and Safety Profiles: Meets safety, solubility, and environmental standards for agrochemical use.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, this solution is in the early stages of development with ongoing efforts to validate compound selection, formulation compatibility, and biological activity. Future plans include greenhouse testing and small-scale field trials to further assess efficacy and compatibility within agrochemical systems.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a STEM‑focused public research university with a large postgraduate community and an entrepreneurial culture. Industry engages through the White City innovation district, where the university offers incubator and scale‑up labs, wet‑lab and prototyping facilities, co‑location with corporate R&D and startups, and a dedicated technology transfer office. Integration with a major NHS hospital system provides access to clinical cohorts, trials infrastructure, and translational expertise, while corporate relations streamline sponsored research and consortia. Research is supported by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, European programs, and major foundations.
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