Green Science Alliance is a green tech startup working toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. One of their products is called quantum dots. These are tiny nanoparticles, smaller than 10 nanometers in size. Their small size gives them unique abilities, like converting light into almost any visible color with high efficiency.
Quantum dots are also known as artificial atoms. Their electronic properties depend on their size, shape, and chemical makeup. They are useful for solar cells, displays, bioimaging, lasers, LEDs, and even artificial photosynthesis.
Recently, Dr. Ryohei Mori successfully synthesized quantum dots from organic waste materials. These include tea leaves, coffee beans, and wood waste. These biomass-based quantum dots are a new kind of environmentally friendly pesticide.
Among pesticides, antimicrobial and fungicidal are very important. Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause many crop diseases.
Dr. Mori tested quantum-dot pesticides against three fungi: Phytophthora infestans, Rhizoctonia solani, and Botrytis cinerea. The results showed these pesticides were effective, even at different concentrations.
These biomass-based quantum dots are a type of carbon quantum dots. Compared to traditional materials, nano-sized quantum dots adhere more strongly to fungi and bacteria. They can penetrate cell walls and membranes more easily.
Once inside the cells, they can damage genes or produce active oxygen species, killing the microbes. They may also inhibit enzyme activity, disrupting fungal growth.
Because they are made from biomass, they contain natural compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antimicrobial effects.
Under sunlight, quantum dots generate excited electrons and active oxygen species. These enhance their antimicrobial properties further through photocatalytic effects.
Compared to chemical pesticides, biomass quantum dots are more economical and environmentally friendly. They offer a promising, sustainable alternative for crop protection.
