Human population growth, soil degradation, and agrochemical misuse are significant challenges that agriculture must face in the upcoming decades as it pertains to global food production. In semi-arid regions, water is the determining factor for crop production and water stress during seed germination and early seedling growth is the highest cause of crop loss, with dramatic impact on food security for 1 billion people that are threatened by desertification.  In nature, some seeds (e.g. chia, basil) produce a mucilage-based hydrogel that creates a germination-promoting microenvironment by retaining water, regulating nutrients entry, and facilitating interactions with beneficial microorganisms. Inspired by natural seed coats and by biopolymers developed by organisms to survive desiccation, we propose a technology that seeks to engineer the microenvironment of seeds by encapsulation, preservation, and precise delivery of biofertilizers that can boost germination and mitigate abiotic stressors. We show proof-of-concept of the technology capability to alleviate abiotic stressors such as drought and salinity both in lab and in a greenhouse settings, using soil native of semi-arid regions of the world.

Bioinspired seed coatings to boost germination and mitigate abiotic stressors

ACS Fall 2021

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