Novel system for adapting crop plants to the changing environment

We believe that gene-loaded-carbon nanodots (CNDs) will revolutionise agricultural practices, as they are highly adaptable, versatile and can be used with existing machinery. CNDs are an effective technology to combat climate change, pest resistance and assist in reducing the need for agrochemicals, as they can be used to adapt plants to specific conditions using genetic material.

Our technology offers huge commercial opportunities by reducing food waste, increasing yields and having a targeted effect to tackle pests and diseases. CNDs may help to resolve food security issues worldwide by presenting a biocompatible, cost-effective, easy to use alternative to current products on the market.

CNDs are based on a new class of sugar-based nanomaterial which is capable of interacting with genetic material. CNDs bond easily to various genetic materials, creating a water soluble "compact" genetic-loaded nanomaterial which can enter plants via several routes, from foliar sprays to watering on to soil. This is one of the first technologies which can transport these genetic materials into plant cells and, unlike current methods, does not cause damage to the plant.

Furthermore, while these materials would affect the individual plant, they would not be passed on to its offspring, providing a way to adapt plants to their changing conditions in a very specific manner. This method is also far faster and less labour intensive than others, as well as being extremely cost-effective.