4Biodegradable nanoparticle developed by IIT Kanpur

Context

Researchers at the IIT Kanpur have created a biodegradable nanoparticle that can be used as an alternative to chemical-based insecticides to protect crops.

Key-points

• The nanoparticle, dubbed Biodegradable Carbonoid Metabolite (BioDCM), can be active at low concentrations and be as effective as pesticides while having no detrimental effects on soil or consumer health. 
• It operates quickly because it is administered in bioactive form and can resist high temperatures.
• The nanoparticle was produced in collaboration with Kannan and D. Mishra of ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, and also with R Balamurugan and M. Mandal of the Hyderabad University’s School of Chemistry.
• Given the nanoparticle developed by IIT Kanpur’s biodegradable and non-harmful nature, it is likely to attract a lot of interest from farmers looking to reduce their use of chemicals in farming, particularly pesticides.

Problems faced by farmers

• According to a report released by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in June 2021, farmers around the world lose up to 40% of their crops to insects and illnesses each year, resulting in a $290 billion loss to the global economy.
• Natural ingredients are increasingly being used in organic farming and exporting goods.