Technology: NanoCarbon 480
Solution
A foliar application technology that stimulates photosynthesis and accelerates plant growth, leading to a significant increase in biomass production.
What is the technological basis of this solution?
The technology is based on carbon nanomaterials derived from renewable sources—specifically organic waste generated as by-products from different production chains. Raw materials already used include swine manure, vinasse from ethanol production, residues from the gelatin industry (bovine leather collagen), treated domestic sewage, and even wastewater from pesticide washing.
The carbon nanoparticles in NanoCarbono 480 have unique optical properties. When applied to leaves, they act as light mediators: absorbing ultraviolet radiation and converting it into blue light, which plants use efficiently during photosynthesis.
What is innovative about it?
Unlike conventional plant growth stimulants that act at intermediate stages of plant metabolism, this nanotechnology targets the foundation of plant life: photosynthesis itself. By converting UV light—which plants normally cannot use—into blue light, the nanoparticles increase photosynthetic efficiency and, as a result, accelerate plant growth.
“This nanotechnology stimulates photosynthesis, which is the basis of plant life. It does not act on intermediate metabolic phases, but directly at the very start of the process.” — Prof. Ailton Terezo
Who could benefit from this solution?
With applications in both grain production and the recovery of degraded pasturelands, NanoCarbono 480 offers new pathways to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agribusiness. The technology has potential use in agriculture and livestock production, particularly for pasture-based animal nutrition—the most widely adopted practice in Brazil.
The solution has been tested in greenhouse conditions with strategic crops such as soybean, cotton, and brachiaria grass. In Brachiaria, the increase in dry mass translates into greater forage availability: areas currently supporting 2 head of cattle per hectare could sustain up to 3.
These results make the solution attractive for:
- Animal nutrition and livestock companies seeking to recover and boost pasture productivity.
- Farmers and cooperatives aiming to increase yields.
- Bioinput and biostimulant companies interested in licensing or adding the technology to their portfolios.
- Investors and strategic partners willing to support large-scale commercial testing.
What is the market potential?
The market potential is highly significant in Brazil’s agricultural and livestock sectors. In 2023, Brazil produced approximately 145.3 million tons of soybeans, nearly half of the country’s total grain, legume, and oilseed production. Cotton production reached 7.5 million tons, concentrated mainly in Mato Grosso and Bahia, which together account for about 90.2% of the cultivated area.
In livestock, Brazil’s cattle herd reached a record 238.6 million head in 2023, with production valued at R$122.4 billion—an increase of 5.4% compared to the previous year.
Additionally, Brazil has around 28 million hectares of degraded pastures with high potential for conversion to crop production. Recovering these areas could expand the nation’s planted grain area by 35%, providing a sustainable alternative to boost output without further deforestation.
What are the key differentiators of the technology?
This nanotechnology stands out for its use of organic waste as raw material, promoting sustainability and circular economy practices. It is a clean, renewable, and easy-to-apply foliar solution with proven results in different crops. Its versatility and low environmental impact make it highly attractive to companies pursuing sustainable agricultural innovations.
What is its technology readiness level?
TRL 6 | Successful greenhouse tests for various crops.
The technology has been successfully tested in greenhouse conditions, showing promising results across multiple crops: Soybeans: total dry mass increased by over 40.6% compared to untreated controls. Brachiaria grass: aerial biomass increased by 56%, potentially enabling pastures to support 3 head of cattle per hectare instead of 2. Cotton: vegetative mass growth exceeded 176%, indicating strong potential in high-value crops.
Researchers are now moving toward larger-scale, open-field trials to measure final productivity gains. New studies are also underway with vegetables such as lettuce and arugula, with completion expected by 2025.
Pesquisadores e Universidades Envolvidos:
The technology was developed by INCT NanoAgro researchers Ailton Terezo, Adriano Buzutti, and Marilza Castilho, together with Dr. Adriana Cardoso (all affiliated with UFMT). The Eco-Physiology Laboratory carried out greenhouse testing at UEL.
Business Opportunity
The technology is patented and available for partnerships with companies interested in implementing innovative solutions for agribusiness. Interested parties are invited to contact INCT NanoAgro’s Innovation Hub via: https://inctnanoagro.com.br/seja-nosso-parceiro/.
Sources consulted to determine market potential:
Em agosto, IBGE prevê safra de 296,4 milhões de toneladas para 2024 | Agência de Notícias
PAM 2023: Safra bate recorde, mas valor da produção cai | Agência de Notícias
Valor da produção da pecuária e aquicultura chega a R$ 122,4 bilhões em 2023 | Agência de Notícias
Em 2023, abate de bovinos cresce e o de suínos e frangos atinge recordes | Agência de Notícias
Estudos auxiliam na recuperação de pastagens degradadas em nove estados
