The use of microorganisms in agriculture represents a sustainable and expanding approach to improving crop productivity, managing plant diseases, and improving soil health. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, can provide a range of benefits through their interactions with plants and the soil environment:

• Nitrogen fixation
• Biological control
• Decomposition and soil health
• Promotion of plant growth

In practice, the use of microorganisms in agriculture is manifested through the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides and soil improvers. These products are often more environmentally friendly than their chemical counterparts, reducing dependence on environmentally harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, microorganisms used in agriculture are often vulnerable to various environmental factors that limit their effectiveness. These include variations in temperature, moisture, UV exposure and competition with other microorganisms in the soil.

To overcome these obstacles, Nanomnia has developed an advanced formulation process that involves encapsulating beneficial microorganisms in natural, biodegradable matrices. These materials form a protective barrier around the microorganisms, allowing them to maintain viability and metabolic activity until activated in the soil. Once in the soil, the capsules gradually degrade in a controlled manner, releasing the microorganisms in a targeted and sustained manner.

Advantages of our encapsulation:

• Enhanced Protection: Encapsulated microorganisms are protected from abiotic stresses such as temperature extremes and UV radiation, which might otherwise reduce their viability.
• Controlled Release: The gradual release of microorganisms ensures a constant and prolonged presence in the soil, optimizing their interaction with plants and improving the effectiveness of interventions.
• Sustainability: The use of natural and biodegradable materials reduces environmental impact, supporting greener and more sustainable agricultural practices.
• Operational Efficiency: Encapsulation technology reduces the need for frequent applications, lowering operational and logistical costs for farmers.

The development phase of this project is TRL 5-6. Nanomnia is currently conducting final field tests (6 months) before filing the patent and is interested in dialoguing with companies that commercialize microorganism-based biofertilizers and biopesticides that are interested in licensing the technology or further co-developing the formulation.