SHAKE invests in a sugar-based nanotechnology for sustainable pest control
CDotBio, a University of Bristol spin-out, and a new addition to the SHAKE portfolio – Cohort 5 - is preparing to scale its sugar-based nanotechnology with support from SHAKE Climate Change. The investment and mentoring are designed to help the company move from proof-of-concept to pilot and field trials, bridging the gap between deep tech and real-world agriculture.
The company’s technology is based on carbon dots – ultra-small nanoparticles made from sugars and amino acids. These particles act as microscopic carriers, latching onto fragile ingredients such as RNA strands, proteins or nutrients, and protecting them until they reach their target in the plant. Once their job is done, the dots biodegrade into harmless sugar metabolites
The approach addresses one of the biggest hurdles facing next-generation crop protection: stability in the field. While products such as biostimulants and RNA interference (RNAi) pesticides show great promise, they often degrade before they can have a reliable impact. Analysts expect the biostimulants market to approach €6 billion by 2030, while RNAi pesticides are projected to more than triple in value over the next decade. Unlocking those markets will depend on effective delivery systems.
CDotBio is already in discussions with around 60 firms about trials and is expanding its team to build capacity. COO Dr Veronica Greco says companies are under growing pressure to find technologies that improve uptake, reduce wash-off and differentiate products with regulators.
Backed by SHAKE Climate Change,CDotBio is now scaling up operations and preparing for pilot and field trials with partners.
Tiny sugar dots, big impact — and exactly the kind of inventive thinking SHAKE Climate Change loves to support.
CDotBio SHAKE Climate Change Portfolio Cohort 5 (https://www.shakeclimate.org/portfolio.php)
Read more about CDotBio’s journey in an interview with Farming Future Food
Image Credits - CDotBio