Domestic researchers successfully develop eco-friendly pesticides using discarded sea squirt shells. The photo shows the first shipment of sea squirts this year from Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, in May./Courtesy of News1

Domestic researchers have succeeded in developing an eco-friendly pesticide using discarded sea squirt shells. This pesticide naturally decomposes in the soil and releases beneficial bacteria that prevent diseases when it rains or when the soil is alkaline.

Inha University announced on the 14th that a research team led by Professor Yang Yoon-jeong of the Department of Biotechnology has developed an eco-friendly bio-pesticide capsule utilizing sea squirt shells. This research achievement was published in the international academic journal "Biomacromolecules."

Recently, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has polluted the environment, making it difficult for various organisms to survive. Some bacteria and fungi have developed resistance, making it often difficult to control pests and diseases with existing pesticides alone.

The research team conducted this study to solve these problems. While existing bio-pesticides have the limitation of quickly losing effectiveness due to environmental changes, the newly developed capsule is designed to reliably deliver beneficial bacteria based on the underground environment.

The exposure state of plant pathogens (left) and the state of pathogen removal after the introduction of treatment bacteria capsules./Courtesy of Inha University

The capsule is made of cellulose, a plant-based fiber, from sea squirt shells that humans do not consume. This component can decompose naturally, posing no burden on the environment. Noting that pests thrive primarily in alkaline soil and spread quickly after rain, the capsule was designed to release its contents in response to moisture and soil properties.

Inside the capsule are beneficial bacteria that prevent diseases. When the soil becomes alkaline and water seeps in, the capsule bursts, allowing the bacteria to spread to the roots and surrounding soil, suppressing pests and diseases. The capsule production process utilizes a technology developed by Professor Lee Sang-hyeon's team at Konkuk University.

Professor Yang Yoon-jeong said, "This research is an example of transforming discarded marine by-products into valuable pesticide materials, which will contribute to eco-friendly agriculture and resource circulation."

Inha University Professor Yang Yoon-jung's biotechnology research team. (From left) Master's student Park Sol-ji from the Department of Bio-System Integration, doctoral student Mun Se-hyung, Professor Yang Yoon-jung from the Department of Biotechnology./Courtesy of Inha University

References

Biomacromolecules (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.5c00340

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