IIT Kanpur Develops Biodegradable Nanoparticle- ‘BioDCM’ to Protect Crops

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur have created a biodegradable nanoparticle that can be used as an alternative to chemical-based pesticides to protect crops from bacterial and fungal infections. The nanoparticle, known as Biodegradable Carbonoid Metabolite (BioDCM), can remain active at low concentrations and be as effective as pesticides while having no negative impact on soil or consumer health.

About Biodegradable Carbonoid Metabolite (BioDCM):

According to IIT Kanpur, this nanoparticle acts quickly because it is applied in bioactive form and can withstand high temperatures. It was created in collaboration with C. Kannan and Divya Mishra from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, as well as R Balamurugan and Mou Mandal from the University of Hyderabad's School of Chemistry.

According to Abhay Karandikar, director of IIT Kanpur, "Because farmers face a variety of challenges, we have worked tirelessly to improve the farming ecosystem as a whole. Nanoparticles would reduce crop infection concerns while increasing crop yield."

According to a June 2021 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farmers around the world lose up to 40% of their crops to insects and diseases each year, resulting in a $290 billion loss to the global economy.

IIT Kanpur has developed a number of solutions to increase crop yield and address many of the issues confronting Indian agriculture. For example, in December 2021, the institute will launch Bhu Parikshak, a soil testing device that can measure soil health in 90 seconds.

It was created to address the issue of time spent getting solid health tested through labs. Farmers typically have to wait days for lab results.

Natural products are increasingly being used in organic farming and export products. Given the nanoparticle developed by IIT Kanpur's biodegradable and non-harmful nature, it is likely to garner a lot of attention from farmers looking to reduce their use of chemicals in farming, particularly pesticides.

IIT Kanpur has been very active in developing solutions to real-world problems. During the height of the covid-19 pandemic, the institute created a reusable mask, an anti-viral nasal filter, and an oxygen concentrator. In 2021, the institute filed 107 intellectual property rights (IPRs), bringing its total number of IPRs to 810.