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A Spinifex-based Nanomaterials Platform for Climate-ready Crops and Mine-Site Restoration (2024–2025)

Abstract:
The University of Queensland¿s (UQ) Advanced Spinifex Biofutures Materials Centre was established by the Indigenous-led company Bulugudu Ltd and UQ¿s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and aims to translate and commercialise high-value nanotechnology products made from Australian desert plants into innovative biotechnologies. In 2021, the team used patented nanomaterials extracted from native spinifex grass to develop an agri-ecological biotechnology platform named the B-Tech. The platform nano-doses plants with actives (microbes and chemicals) via very precise dosing from an encapsulation matrix. The B-Tech platform is game-changing, as it makes previously unfeasible actives cost-effective, easy to deliver and safe for the user, thus commercially viable, by reducing dosages up to 10,000-fold. This project will develop the B-Tech for crop resilience to climatic extremes and enhanced post-mining restoration outcomes, thus addressing NRF priorities of value-adding to agriculture and the resources sectors. Over a 12-month timeframe, the project will (1) Develop a Beta prototype to accelerate the B-Tech from TRL 3 (current state) to TRL 5; (2) Develop a market strategy to commercialise the B-Tech; (3) Generate results to submit a patent application. Additionally, the NRF priority of 'enabling capability' is addressed by providing a pathway to grow Indigenous manufacturing capabilities in remote Australia, adding cultural, social and economic value.
Grant type:
Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants
Researchers:

  • Dr Jitka Kochanek

    Research Fellow
    Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    Research Fellow
    Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

  • Dr Claire Cote

    Professorial Research Fellow and Ce
    Sustainable Minerals Institute
    Professorial Research Fellow and Ce
    Sustainable Minerals Institute
    Centre Director of Centre for Water
    Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry
    Sustainable Minerals Institute
Funded by:
Commonwealth Department of Education