About Nanoplant

Project summary

Plant nanotechnology deals with the potential application and the impact of nanomaterials in plants. Due to their ability to improve plant growth and yield, antimicrobial activities etc., incorporation of nanomaterials into agrochemicals (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc.) they are also expected to have great potential in nanotechnology-driven smart agriculture. On the other hand, plants, being sessile and closely associated with the two major environmental sinks of nanomaterial accumulation namely water and soil and that they will be exposed to them by the application of agrochemicals containing nanomaterials such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers etc., plants are at the most risk posed by the environmental presence of these new materials.

The Institute of Plant Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPG PAS) is a leading research institution in the area of plant genetics and agriculture in Poland. The NANOPLANT project aims to strengthen the research and innovation potential of Institute of Plant Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, through the creation of an ERA Chair in Plant Nanotechnology.
This project intents to expand the research potential of human resources, lab facilities and next-generation green nanomaterials, while supporting an emerging research line in the nanotechnology for applications in agriculture, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, while addressing the environmental impact. The scientific excellence expected to be acquired in the above areas will allow us to contribute significantly to the regional, national and international stakeholders. As a new field, still in its infancy, plant nanotechnology has several unknown/ untested avenues of potential, which will be tapped in this project towards innovations while engaging regional, national and international stakeholders.

Objectives

The major idea of NANOPLANT is to promote cutting-edge research in plant biology – nanotechnology interface and thereby fostering interdisciplinary research competence, scientific excellence, international collaborations and academia industry partnerships.

1. Enhancement of the human capacity in the field of plant nanotechnology,
2. Improvement of research competence and performance,
3. Successful implementation of a brand-new interdisciplinary research approach,
4. Improvement of research organisation and management,
5. Creation of a continuous and robust network of national and international cooperation between the Institute and high-quality research institutions,
6. Development of strong collaboration with public sector partners,
7. Organisation of meetings involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders,
8. Better integration in the ERA via strengthening existing links, establishing new contacts and twinning with leading research centres in plant nanotechnology,
9. Increase of the Institute’s participation in EU collaborative research projects.

Work packages

WP1   Ethics
WP2   Coordination and management
WP3   ERA Chair holder selection
WP4   Strengthening scientific potential
WP5   Stepping up research excellence
WP6   Knowledge transfer
WP7   Promotion and dissemination

Expected impact

Poland has a long history of agriculture and forestry. More than half of its land is devoted to farming, most of which are small family farms struggling to stay competitive. Nanotechnology could provide the much needed support, increasing crop production with technologies for controlled release of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides or targeted delivery of molecules.
The NANOPLANT project is expected to:
Build research capacity in plant nanotechnology at IPGPAS
Strengthen international expansion and maximise the impact of ERA chair culture at IPGPAS
Answer key questions in the area of plant nanotechnology

Unlock the potential of phytonanotechnology in agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors

Address the impact of nanomaterials on the environment

Improve capability to acquire internationally
competitive research funding