The Universitat Jaume I of Castelló and GEA Biotechnology have developed an antifungal aqueous suspension for the prevention of fungal infections in crops and fruit during the pre- and post-harvest stages. The new formulation is aimed at the biotechnology and agricultural sectors, and the partners are seeking collaboration for further development and adaptation to commercial applications.
The technology is based on biodegradable chitosan microcapsules encapsulating anethole, a natural compound with antifungal activity, which improves its stability and enables controlled release on crop and fruit surfaces. According to the research team, led by Carolina Clausell from the Ecophysiology and Biotechnology research group coordinated by Aurelio Gómez Cadenas, the formulation “enhances the antifungal efficacy of natural compounds and offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides”.
In addition, the new system features a stable formulation that is easy to apply and adaptable to treatments both in the field and during post-harvest storage. Laboratory tests have shown high efficacy against several phytopathogenic fungi responsible for crop losses and fruit spoilage. “Encapsulation protects the natural active compound and prolongs its antifungal action, improving its application in agriculture and post-harvest preservation”, explains Carolina Clausell.
The formulation has been validated at the experimental laboratory level and is protected by a European patent application jointly owned on a 50/50 basis by the Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology. The project, carried out by researchers from both entities, has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the Valencian Community 2021–2027 under action INNEST/2023/122.
The Universitat Jaume I, through the Research Management and Knowledge Transfer Service (SEGIT) and the Vice-Rector’s Office for Innovation, Knowledge Transfer and Regional Outreach, promotes the scientific and technological transfer of its research staff as part of its commitment to the dissemination and transmission of scientific, technical, social and humanistic knowledge.