Engineering nanozymes for enhancing biological nitrogen fixation

NanoBNFix aims to address the global challenge of food security and environmental sustainability by enhancing biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in soybeans, a crucial process that provides these plants with essential nitrogen nutrients.

BNF involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia by nitrogenase enzymes found in symbiotic microorganisms known as rhizobia.

This natural process reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimizes the environmental impact of agriculture.

While various strategies, such as gene editing, have been explored to improve soybean BNF efficiency, their practical application has been limited. NanoBNFix proposes an innovative approach by harnessing nanotechnology to enhance BNF.

Specifically, the project proposes to use molybdenum (Mo)-based nanozymes (NZs) to augment soybean BNF through two key mechanisms: 1) Stress Protection: Rhizobia are sensitive to environmental stress, especially oxidative stress.

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with intrinsic antioxidant enzyme-like activities, potentially safeguarding rhizobia from stress-induced damage and prolonging their function to facilitate BNF. 2) Mo Incorporation: Molybdenum is a crucial element in plant enzymes, including nitrogenase, which catalyzes the BNF process.

Mo-based nanozymes may release Mo, which could be assimilated into these enzymes through biotransformation, potentially enhancing their activity.

The project will involve engineering Mo-based nanozymes to optimize their effectiveness while unraveling the chemical and biological mechanisms underlying plant responses to these nanostructures.