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A recent breakthrough from the University of Delaware offers promising advancements in the creation of environmentally friendly pesticide ingredients. The research, spearheaded by Professors Dion Vlachos, an expert in chemical and biomolecular engineering, and Michael Crossley, a specialist in entomology and wildlife ecology, focuses on synthesizing new insecticidal compounds that are both target-specific and safer for ecological systems compared to traditional pesticides.
Pesticides, while critical for safeguarding agricultural production and ensuring food security for a global population projected to reach 8.2 billion by 2024, often come with a dilemma. Effective pest control can inadvertently harm non-target species and disrupt ecosystems. The innovative approach taken by the University of Delaware team promises to mitigate these risks.
Utilizing sustainable materials, the researchers derived new chemical compounds from biomass sources, including wood pulp, straw, and corncobs—often viewed as waste products. This methodology aligns with sustainability goals and promotes circular resource use. Their findings were recently published in the journal ChemSusChem.
Innovative Molecular Synthesis
The team’s breakthrough involved using commercially available plant-based atoms and skillfully modifications to craft new chemicals capable of insecticidal action. Sunitha Sadula, lab manager and senior scientist at the Delaware Energy Institute, highlighted these novel molecules as “bridging molecules” that transition from harmful chemical solutions to more sustainable alternatives.
According to Sadula, the overarching aim of the research is to minimize or potentially eliminate the presence of toxic substances in food supply chains, water resources, and the surrounding environment. The initial tests utilized a synthetic molecule known as vanillin, along with furfural, which originates from the abundant lignocellulosic biomass—a significant byproduct of the pulp and paper industry.
Following preliminary success in synthesis, Crossley assessed the efficacy of these new molecules against pests, specifically the lesser mealworm beetle. His findings indicated that the insecticides developed by the University of Delaware were comparably effective to current conventional options, achieving similar mortality rates among the targeted pests.
Crossley remarked on the transformative nature of their synthesis process, which allows for modifications to molecular structures that result in different chemical properties. He noted that the team is developing compounds that have comparable structural characteristics to well-established, safer insecticides, targeting specific pest species without broader ecological harm.
Commitment to Sustainability
Tejas Goculdas, a doctoral student in the Vlachos lab, explained that previous attempts to create bio-based pesticides from lignocellulosic biomass had not achieved the same level of toxicity as commercial options. In contrast, their method has demonstrated significant effectiveness, nearing a one-to-one comparison with traditional carbamate pesticides.
Traditional pesticides typically rely on fossil fuels and harmful chemicals, while the new method uses entirely renewable resources, tapping into a substantial supply of dry lignocellulosic biomass in the U.S. The emphasis on creating useful chemicals from waste materials further supports the goal of circularity in agricultural practices.
Cost-effectiveness is another notable benefit of the research; the team found that their furfural-based compounds are priced two to four times lower than existing commercial pesticide products. This has significant implications for accessibility and application in agricultural settings.
Moreover, the design process of these new chemicals was strategically aimed at ensuring that scaling up production would not encounter supply chain issues. This foresight is essential for wider adoption and implementation in real-world agricultural applications.
An interesting aspect of their findings is the unexpected safety of the furfural-based compounds for aquatic ecosystems. The molecular structure favors aquatic environments, suggesting that the insecticides can be easily washed off crops, reducing potential contamination risks for consumers.
Overall, the development represents a pioneering step in transforming waste into valuable insecticides, demonstrating the potential for innovative approaches to enhance agricultural sustainability and reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
More information: Tejas Goculdas et al, Biomass‐Derived, Target Specific, and Ecologically Safer Insecticide Active Ingredients, ChemSusChem (2024). DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400824
Citation: Bio-based insecticidal ingredients have the potential to drive ecologically safer pesticides (2024, September 24) retrieved 24 September 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-bio-based-insecticidal-ingredients-potential.html
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