SBIR Phase I: A scalable platform to produce nematode pheromones for crop protection

Information

  • NSF Award
  • 2014784
Owner
  • Award Id
    2014784
  • Award Effective Date
    5/1/2020 - 5 years ago
  • Award Expiration Date
    4/30/2021 - 4 years ago
  • Award Amount
    $ 249,800.00
  • Award Instrument
    Standard Grant

SBIR Phase I: A scalable platform to produce nematode pheromones for crop protection

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to create a manufacturing method for a new class of environmentally friendly, sustainable biopesticides. Chemical pesticides pollute the environment and cause harm to humans and other nontarget organisms. In contrast, biopesticides are safe to humans and the environment. The proposed project is a platform to manufacture special chemicals to enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices. <br/><br/>The proposed SBIR Phase I project addresses the feasibility of manufacturing nematode dispersal pheromones using in vitro fermentation to control agricultural pests. Entomopathogenic nematodes are natural bioinsecticides commercially produced using in vitro fermentation; they produce pheromones that can greatly enhance their efficacy as biocontrol agents. This project will demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing nematode dispersal pheromones using in vitro fermentation methods with the following technical tasks: 1) An in vitro fermentation system will be established using Steinernema feltiae in shaker flasks; 2) Optimum harvesting time for dispersal pheromones will be determined using dispersal assays; 3) The effectiveness of the produced pheromones will be compared with that of in vivo counterparts for dispersal and infectivity; 4) Media will be supplemented to boost pheromone production and create a platform for specific pheromone mixtures.<br/><br/>This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

  • Program Officer
    Erik Pierstorff
  • Min Amd Letter Date
    5/14/2020 - 5 years ago
  • Max Amd Letter Date
    10/20/2020 - 5 years ago
  • ARRA Amount

Institutions

  • Name
    Pheronym, Inc.
  • City
    DAVIS
  • State
    CA
  • Country
    United States
  • Address
    28605 County Road 104
  • Postal Code
    956189615
  • Phone Number
    3522836967

Investigators

  • First Name
    Fatma
  • Last Name
    Kaplan
  • Email Address
    fkaplan@pheronym.com
  • Start Date
    5/14/2020 12:00:00 AM

Program Element

  • Text
    SBIR Phase I
  • Code
    5371
  • Text
    SBIR Outreach & Tech. Assist
  • Code
    8091

Program Reference

  • Text
    Software Services and Applications
  • Code
    8032
  • Text
    Biotechnology
  • Code
    8038
  • Text
    AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
  • Code
    9109