University of California, Riverside

Researchers use lessons from nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to address food insecurity and climate change. Researchers in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University are using findings from nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to understand the new field of Plant Nanobiotechnology, address unsustainable agricultural practices, and meet increasing global food demands. Currently, agriculture accounts for 14-28% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of all freshwater withdraws. This, in addition to a range of other factors from extreme weather events, rampant crop pests, and rapidly degrading soil underlines the need for new agricultural practices and technologies. In a new study published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers highlight that Plant Nanobiotechnology approaches can be used to deliver nanoforms of active agents, such as micronutrients or plant protection products, to specific biological targets. As a result, plants become more resilient against disease and harmful environmental factors like extreme heat or salt contents in soil, thus increasing crop yield and overall efficiency. However, because the field of Plant Nanobiotechnology is still in its nascent stages, many of the challenges to implementing new tools like nanocarriers are still unknown to researchers. To overcome this obstacle, civil and environmental engineering professor Greg Lowry, in collaboration with co-corresponding author Juan Pablo Giraldo at University of California Riverside, colleagues, and students, is looking beyond plants and agriculture to find solutions inspired by nanomedicine. "We found that the challenges of using nanocarriers to deliver nutrients in plants parallel those in nanomedicine, which has the advantage of being an established and well-studied field," said Lowry. "While there are some key differences between plants and animals, many important parts of our research have been informed by nanomedicine, including identifying nanocarrier designs that can ensure active agents are effectively packaged, delivered, and released where they are needed." Similar to nanomedicine, researchers found that nanocarriers are most successful when they interact well with the organism they're targeting, navigate key biological barriers, and take advantage of natural processes while minimizing unintended consequences. The study also explored the potentially transformative approach of creating "digital twins" of plants for assessing the efficacy of different nanocarrier designs. Digital twins are breakthrough modeling technologies that have been widely used throughout infrastructure management, predictive maintenance, and manufacturing. Their unique ability to analyze a structure and its surrounding conditions, process the information, and use it to inform, predict, and modify what happens in the physical world has revolutionized the way researchers process data. Just as medical researchers use "digital patients," or digital twin models to simulate how medicines interact with and move within the body, Lowry and his team could use "digital plants" to facilitate the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to selected plant organs. In doing so, nanocarriers would be better equipped to deliver essential active agents where and when they're needed most, increasing their effectiveness, resilience to adversity, and overall agricultural output. "Nano-enabled precision delivery of active agents in plants will transform agriculture, but there are critical technical challenges that we must first overcome to realize the full range of its benefits," said Lowry. "I'm optimistic about the future of Plant Nanobiotechnology approaches and the beneficial impacts it will have on our ability to sustainably produce food."

Scientists have discovered a highly effective, nontoxic, and less expensive way to lure hungry termites to their doom. UC Riverside scientists have discovered a highly effective, nontoxic, and less expensive way to lure hungry termites to their doom. The method, detailed in the Journal of Economic Entomology, uses a pleasant-smelling chemical released by forest trees called pinene that reminds western drywood termites of their food. They follow the scent to a spot of insecticide injected into wood. "We saw significant differences in the death rates using insecticide alone versus the insecticide plus pinene," said UCR entomologist Dong-Hwan Choe, who led the discovery. "Without pinene, we got about 70% mortality. When we added it in, it was over 95%. Native to North America, western drywood termites are environmentally important. They are drawn to dead wood above ground, and consume it with the help of microorganisms in their guts. "They are recyclers," Choe said. "And they're very common." Unfortunately for humans, the insects are unable to distinguish between dead trees and the wood used to build homes. Of particular concern in California and Florida, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico, no dwelling is immune to them. "It's only a matter of time before termites attack a house, especially in warmer parts of the states," Choe said. Fumigation is one of the most common drywood termite control techniques. Homes are covered with tents and then bombed with gas that kills the insects. In the U.S., California uses this method more than any other state. The pest control industry is under pressure to find new methods because the chemical, sulfuryl fluoride, is both a greenhouse gas and is also toxic to humans. Additionally, fumigation is an expensive process that does not provide lasting protection against termites. "Even though it is very thorough, a home can be infested again soon after fumigation is completed," Choe said. "Some people fumigate every three to five years because it doesn't protect structures from future infestations." Localized injection is an alternative strategy to control drywood termites that does not involve gas. Technicians drill holes into the infested wood to reach the termite "gallery" or lair, then inject poison into the hole to inundate the bugs. "This is a more localized treatment, and in theory, it is a better strategy when you want to control drywood termites with fewer chemicals. It's less expensive, and the treated wood may also stay protected from future infestations," Choe said. The challenge with localized injection is figuring out exactly where the bugs are hiding. Typically, this method uses a contact-based insecticide, meaning the insects must touch the poison for it to work. Using an attractant like pinene eliminates the need to hunt for the termites. "Even at low concentrations, pinene is good at attracting termites from a distance," Choe said. "We don't think it's functioning as a pheromone," Choe said. "We think the scent is more associated with their food. Smells nice… dinner time! That's the concept that we had in mind." The insecticide they used, fipronil, is also used to control ant infestations. It can be toxic to aquatic insects and pollinators if it gets into the environment. In this case it is injected into the wood, so chances of off-target effects are low. Choe's laboratory generally studies the chemical communication systems of urban insect pests to develop strategies like this one for western drywood termites. "Our study shows that if you understand insect behavior better, it's interesting by itself," Choe said. "Then there are also important implications for more effective pest management, so we can use fewer chemicals without compromising efficiency."

Palani Palaniappan, Ph.D., Stephen Hoffman, M.D., Ph.D., and Paul Westberg, MBA, bring deep industry experience to guide Company growth COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Clarametyx Biosciences Inc. (“Clarametyx”), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing targeted, immune-enabling biologic therapies to counter persistent infections associated with biofilms, today announced the appointment of Palani Palaniappan, Ph.D., to its Scientific Advisory Board, as well as the appointments of Stephen Hoffman, M.D., Ph.D. and Paul Westberg, MBA as strategic advisors. “We are humbled to welcome Dr. Palaniappan to our scientific advisory board, as his extensive industry knowledge will not only augment our scientific focus but introduce critical development expertise that will enable us to pursue the full potential for our novel anti-biofilm technology,” said David Richards, Chief Executive Officer. “We are also pleased to engage Stephen Hoffman, MD, Ph.D. and Paul Westberg, MBA, who will further enhance our corporate and strategic development activities as we build momentum toward the next phase of the company’s growth.” Palani Palaniappan is an experienced business leader passionate about developing innovative and impactful medicines for patients. He is currently Chief Technology Officer of Pioneering Medicines at Flagship Pioneering. Dr. Palaniappan previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Aruvant Sciences. His prior executive roles included Head of Global Technical Operations at Sarepta Therapeutics and Global Head of Biologics and New Modality Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. His early career included leadership positions at Millennium Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Takeda), Biogen, Nexstar Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Gilead), and Par Pharmaceuticals. Palani received his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and completed his post-doctoral studies in biochemistry and biophysics at the University of California, Riverside and Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a M.S. and B.S. from Annamalai University. Stephen Hoffman is a seasoned life sciences executive with over 30 years of experience building companies and leading entrepreneurial teams to create shareholder value. He is currently a Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Trekk Venture Partners and serves on multiple public and private company boards. He was previously the CEO of Aerpio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Allos Therapuetics, Inc. and served as Managing Director at Skyline Ventures, as well as General Partner at TVM Capital. Paul Westberg is a strategic business executive with more than 25 years of broad transactions, financing, market planning, and advisory experience focused on advancing transformational therapies in the life sciences sector. He was most recently the Chief Business Officer of Qpex Biopharma, a resistance-focused infectious disease company, which was acquired by Shionogi. Earlier in his career, Mr. Westberg was Chief Business Officer at Versartis and has previously served in numerous business development and finance roles for start-up companies since starting his career at Genentech. Mr. Westberg received his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley and his BA from the University of California, San Diego. About Clarametyx Biosciences Clarametyx Biosciences is combating the formidable challenge of persistent and recalcitrant infections through an innovative technology platform targeting the biofilm—a protective layer around bacteria—to enable a more effective immune response and antibiotic intervention. The Columbus, Ohio-based company is building a dynamic pipeline of immune-enabling therapies and vaccines for life-threatening bacterial infections associated with biofilms, with a near-term focus on challenging respiratory infections. For more information, visit us on the web or on LinkedIn.