Nanotechnology faces challenges in Brazil – Interview with Katia Coelho, R&D at Ética

The development of nanotechnology faces enormous challenges in Brazil, with obstacles ranging from the definition of parameters to legislation that regulates the sector. In an exclusive interview, Katia Coelho, Research & Development Director at Ética do Brasil Nanotecnologia, defines the challenges and the paths forward for these innovations to reach Brazilian agriculture and deliver the benefits and results already benfiting other countries. She also provides an overview of the current market situation, the products being developed, and the future outlook for nanotechnology.

Katia Coelho, Research & Development Director at Ética do Brasil Nanotecnologia

What obstacles, difficulties, and challenges have you been facing regarding the development of nanotechnology to be used in agriculture in Brazil?

We still face obstacles with the legislation, which is not prepared for this new technology. Besides not being able to mention any term related to Nanotechnology because there are no legally established methods and analyses for measuring nanometric sizes, we cannot communicate the benefits it brings, such as the reduction in fertilizer use through nanominerals. The doses of nanominerals are significantly different, with some cases showing a reduction of up to 30 times the amount of fertilizer used across all crops. But if we cannot disclose the nanotechnology in our products, how can we establish proper management with this technology and differentiate it in our communication? Although we have researchers and companies with nanotechnology in their portfolios, Brazilian legislation doesn't even mention it.

What changes, adjustments, or regulations are still needed in the writing of Brazilian legislation?

Brazilian legislation still says nothing about nanotechnology, so there are no methods for particle size assessment, standard analyses, approved types of nanominerals, or any secondary benefits that nanominerals and nanoencapsulates might have on crops. Brazil needs to create laws for this new technology, as well as parameters for evaluating products in terms of performance and safety.

How do you characterize the current state of this market in Brazil?

Nanotechnology is undoubtedly a substitute for conventional technology, as it brings cost reductions for agricultural producers, in addition to cost reductions in logistics and application. And regarding sustainability, we are talking about a reduction in the extraction of minerals from non-renewable sources, therefore preserving natural resources. Brazil is dependent upon fertilizer imports, making nanotechnology strategic for the country.

What nanotechnology products are you developing, or are already on the market?

We have developed 12 nanominerals, which are macro and micronutrients that replace conventional fertilizers at doses up to 30 times lower than those used on crops. We are talking about NPK, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc, among others. Additionally, the nanominerals have a dual function: they are nutrients and also function as biocides, aiding in pest control and enhancing the efficacy of crop protection products. We have also developed nanoparticles that aid in water retention and increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. We are already on the market with this technology, consolidated across various crops.

What are the next projects to be undertaken by Ética?

Ética do Brasil is evaluating partnerships for expansion into other countries through distribution or local plants. We are already exporting to Peru and want to expand to other Latin American countries in this first phase. But for us to take the next step, regulatory bodies must evaluate this new technology and create specific laws for it, so that everyone has greater security in its introduction and use.

What future applications do you foresee, and what are your projections for the uses of nanotechnology in agriculture?

In the coming years, nanotechnology will gain recognition and be consolidated due to its efficacy and cost reductions: producing more while paying less is what every sector seeks. We will also see other types of products for crop protection against pests, what we call "vaccines"—products that protect plants from diseases for months, are less toxic, and have prolonged action.

There needs to be a collective effort from the sector and regulatory bodies to create nanotechnology laws for agribusiness, as this will provide more confidence and security in its use in this strategically important segment for the country. When we create parameters for evaluation, analyses, and approval for the market, nanotechnology will be understood and embraced for its advantages. It's not enough just to have researchers proving its efficacy and safety; the sector and the state need to unite to recognize and implement it correctly and responsibly.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)