Development of micro and nanocomposites based in Trichoderma strains for agriculture applications: a bilateral cooperation between UNISO Sorocaba and USAL

Abstract

Micro and nanotechnology applied to agricultural area is already a reality, studies show that this can aid in both fertilization and containment of agricultural pests, which can result in better crop performance. However, there is still a consensus that there is a need for further studies to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Among the innumerable possibilities of using nanomaterials, the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles emerges as a promise for agriculture, due to its appeal to sustainability, in relation to microparticles (microcapsules), which aid in the transport of microorganisms, guaranteeing greater protection against environmental factors such as temperature and ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the project proposed here aims to unite the expertise of Brazilian researchers with knowledge in micro and nanotechnology together with a group of Spanish researchers with the experience and knowledge about advanced studies in Trichoderma. In this context, from this exchange of knowledge will be to have possible a better understanding of the activity of Trichoderma and its metabolites associated to micro and nanotechnology. Therefore, in order to achieve these objectives, the proposal aims to synthesize new micro and nanomaterials using different strains of Trichoderma selected by the Salamanca group. In order to carry out the project, the Salamanca group will carry out the molecular study of the candidate strains, as well as the selection of those that present the greatest interest for the group. The Brazilian researchers will be used the strains selected by Salamanca group for the synthesis of different micro/nanomaterials (metallic biogenic nanoparticles (NPAg and NPFe), microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation of secondary metabolites). In the case of biogenic metallic nanoparticles, they will be synthetized using Trichoderma extracts/metabolites as reducing agent. Also, the microparticles will be prepared using the Ionic gelation methodology in order to encapsulate Trichoderma strains. In addition, in the project will be prepared polymeric nanocapsules with secondary metabolites from the fungus. To evaluate the activity of these nanoparticles will be performed in vitro as well as microcosm evaluation. Cyto and genotoxicity of nanoparticles will be investigated using as model: cell culture lines, soil microbiota and plant. The analysis will be done by indirect analysis (mitochondrial and lysosomal metabolism) and direct analysis using Image Cytometry. Besides, the genotoxicity will be performed by Allium cepa and Comet assays and molecular analysis. In this sense, collaboration between the Brazilian and Spanish teams will provide not only scientific gain in the development of new materials/formulations, but also the exchange of scholars between the two countries, thus producing scientific and technological knowledge at the frontier of knowledge. (AU)