Biodegradable electrospun nanofibrous matrix for controlled delivery of plant growth regulators
A biodegradable zein-based electrospun nanofibrous matrix designed to encapsulate and release gibberellic acid (GA) in a controlled manner for seed germination and plant growth. The composite nanofibrous mat protects GA, enhances its stability and solubility, and biodegrades without leaving toxic residues, offering a sustainable approach to agricultural input delivery.
Overview
This solution centers on encapsulating the plant growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA) within a biodegradable polymeric nanofibrous matrix produced by electrospinning. The resulting composite nanofibrous mat acts as a carrier and controlled delivery system, releasing GA gradually to support seed germination and plant growth. Because the matrix is built from zein, a protein derived from maize, the material is biodegradable and avoids introducing persistent or toxic residues into the soil. The approach addresses common limitations of conventional GA application, including rapid degradation, poor water solubility, and short-lived biological activity, by providing a protective, stable, and sustained-release format suited to modern agricultural practices.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Electrospinning of zein, a maize-derived biopolymer, into free-standing and flexible nanofibrous mats
- Encapsulation of gibberellic acid within the zein nanofiber matrix to form a biocomposite
- Controlled and sustained release of GA over time, with improved water solubility, heat stability, chemical stability, and prolonged bioactivity compared with pristine GA
Key features:
- Biodegradable carrier that breaks down without toxic environmental loading
- Tunable GA loading and electrospinning process parameters to produce homogeneous nanofibrous mats
- Two intended application modes: direct seed coating with the nanofibrous mat and incorporation of the mat into soil
- Applicable to seed germination studies and broader plant growth evaluation, supported by collaborations with Cornell Horticulture and Cornell AgriTech for selecting appropriate seeds and plant systems
Technology readiness level
The underlying electrospinning platform is well established, with the research group having published extensively on encapsulating diverse bioactive agents in nanofibrous matrices from zein and other biomaterials. Prior work has demonstrated controlled release, improved stability, and long-lasting bioactivity for bioactive agents including antibacterials, antioxidants, essential oils, food supplements, and drugs, and has shown relevance to agricultural applications. The next stage focuses on optimizing GA loading and electrospinning parameters, performing structural and chemical characterization of the Zein/GA mats, and conducting agricultural validation through seed coating and soil-mix studies in collaboration with Cornell horticulture and agricultural research partners.
About Cornell University
Cornell University is a comprehensive private, land-grant research university with campuses in Ithaca and New York City, combining significant scale with cross-disciplinary breadth. Industry connects through open-access user facilities and prototyping labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and a research and technology park that provide pathways from discovery to demonstration. A statewide extension network and integration with a major hospital system enable real-world deployment, while a graduate campus embedded in New York City’s tech corridor provides direct access to startups, venture investors, and corporate R&D teams. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP management, licensing, startup formation, and corporate partnerships across campuses.
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