Hybrid nanoparticles for Plant Protection Technologies
Agriculture provides our basic needs for living, and to answer production demand, pesticides and fertilizers have been widely used to boost agricultural production. However, the efficiency for fertilizers is reduced (about 10%), and 10 to 75% of applied pesticides do not reach their target. Harmful side effects of agriculture/food production require now to be reduced.
Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) can positively interact with crops. Metal and metal oxide NPs (Ag, Cu, Cu2O, ZnO, MgO, TiO2) show in vivo activity against plant pathogens. NP surface and size are primary properties driving their interactions and biodistribution in plants. In this line, various biopolymers (e.g., chitin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, lignin) can be used to synthesize sustainable and safe nanocarriers of metal-based NPs, showing a great potential for application in agriculture, as fertilizers and nanopesticides. The candidate will be involved in hybrid nanoparticles preparation involving polysaccharides and characterization.
Techniques: The post-doc will use the instruments available at BIA and required facilities for characterization of which microscopies (MET, confocal microscopy, AFM), X-ray electron spectroscopies (XAS) and diffraction (XRD), 13C NMR, nanosizer, conductimetric titration, zeta potential measurement and all other technics available at academic partners.
Context: This project located in Nantes will be part of an ANR project and should start March 2023.
Required profile: Physicochemist or chemist of polymers, knowledge in polysaccharides is appreciated.
Practical information: This project will be located at INRAE in Nantes. The candidate has to provide a CV with a motivation letter (Fr or GB indifferently) including a complete list of publications and contact information of references.
To apply and for any information contact Isabelle Capron:
isabelle.capron@inrae.fr or 02 40 67 50 95.