University of Illinois innovates with organic nanozymes for agriculture

In a remarkable scientific achievement, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have unveiled a groundbreaking development in the form of organic nanozymes, offering promising applications in agriculture, including the detection of glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide. What sets these organic nanozymes apart is their environmentally friendly and non-toxic nature, making them a game-changer for various agricultural processes. 

The term "nanozyme" originates from the combination of "nanomaterial" and "enzyme." Nanozymes first emerged approximately 15 years ago when scientists discovered that iron oxide nanoparticles could emulate the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, notably peroxidase.  

These synthetic nanozymes have gained recognition for their improved stability and reduced costs, particularly in biomedical research, where they are instrumental in biosensors used to detect specific molecules in disease diagnosis. 

However, traditional nanozymes are predominantly composed of inorganic, metal-based materials, rendering them unsuitable for direct use in agriculture and food science due to their toxicity and high production expenses. 

Enter the pioneering researchers at the University of Illinois, who have embarked on a journey to develop fully organic compound-based nanozymes (OC nanozymes). These OC nanozymes faithfully mimic the catalytic actions of natural enzymes while primarily utilizing organic compounds that are friendly to agriculture, such as urea and polyvinyl alcohol. This breakthrough ensures the safety and eco-friendliness of the nanozymes. 

Additionally, the research team has integrated a colorimetric sensing system into their OC nanozyme, enabling the detection of specific molecules. Colorimetric assays rely on variations in color intensity to estimate the concentration of substances, with darker or lighter shades indicating higher or lower levels of target molecules. Impressively, the organic nanozyme demonstrated performance on par with traditional nanozymes in biosensing applications. 

One significant application of this pioneering technology is the detection of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in agriculture. Through colorimetric assays conducted with varying glyphosate concentrations, the organic nanozyme exhibited remarkable accuracy in detecting glyphosate. 

The ultimate objective of this research is to develop a user-friendly test kit that can be utilized by consumers and agricultural producers for the detection of pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate.  

This kit would involve mixing a sample with a provided substance, capturing a photograph, and utilizing a smartphone app to analyze color intensity, thereby determining the presence of any pesticide or herbicide. Such a portable and accessible testing platform could revolutionize agriculture and enhance food safety significantly. 

The researchers are actively exploring the extensive potential of these eco-friendly nanozymes in various other applications, underscoring their versatility and the positive impact they can have across diverse industries.