New formulation cuts waste, contamination by making pesticides adhere better to plant leaves
WIN member Michael Tam (Chemical Engineering) and his team have developed an innovative, nanotechnology-enabled, water-based formulation that significantly improves the delivery and performance of agricultural pesticides. By engineering cellulose nanocrystals into a novel nanostructure, the team created a system that enhances the stability and adhesion of pesticide droplets, allowing them to remain intact and firmly attached to plant leaves—even under challenging environmental conditions such as wind and rain.
Unlike conventional pesticide formulations that rely on chemical solvents, this approach uses water as the primary medium, reducing environmental impact while improving efficiency. Early field trials have demonstrated that the formulation delivers better pest control using less pesticide, addressing long-standing challenges related to droplet bounce, drift, and runoff that contribute to environmental contamination and resource loss.
This advancement represents a promising step toward more sustainable agricultural practices, with potential to reduce chemical inputs and improve precision in crop protection. The research team is now seeking industry partners to scale the technology and support its transition from laboratory innovation to real-world application.
To learn about this research, please visit the full Waterloo News feature.