News and Events
Great success of dr Aniketkumar Gade in the latest results of the Opus 29 NCN competition!
Dr Gade obtained funding in the opus competition (2025/57/B/NZ9/02292) in the amount of 3 250 080 PLN for implementation of research project entitled "Nanocarriers with mycogenic iron oxide nanoparticles as a novel and sustainable fertilizers in maize crops".
This research explores a new, sustainable approach to delivering iron to maize (corn) plants using nanotechnology. Synthesizing tiny iron oxide particles made by fungi, called mycogenic iron oxide nanoparticles. This method, is environmentally friendly and produces nanoparticles that are small, stable, and safe for use in agriculture. These particles are then packed inside natural materials— casein (a milk protein) and calcium carbonate (a common mineral found in shells and rocks)—to create small micro size globules called microspheres. These microspheres can release iron into the soil in the controlled manner, making it easier for maize (corn) plants to absorb the nutrient over longer time and minimize the nutrient loss by leaching. The study will also test how well this system works by observing maize plants' health, especially their ability to handle stress through natural antioxidant processes. We will also look at how the microspheres behave in the soil and whether they stay safe and stable. Importantly, the study will examine the impact of this new fertilizer on the helpful microbes living around plant roots, using advanced genetic tools (omics technology) to see if it promotes a healthier soil ecosystem.
The goal of the research is to develop a smart, eco-friendly iron fertilizer that not only helps maize plants grow better and stay healthier, but also supports beneficial soil microbes and reduces the environmental problems linked to traditional fertilizers. Offers a promising new way to boost crop nutrition in a sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. It could help farmers grow healthier maize with fewer inputs and less harm to the planet.
Congratulations!
Nanoferti Team at the FEMS MICRO Conference in Milan!
All members of the Nanoferti team participated in this prestigious international microbiology conference, which took place in Milan from July 14–17, 2025. It was an excellent opportunity to present the research results obtained under our grant, establish new scientific contacts, and exchange ideas with scientists from around the world.
Julia received Attendance Grant from FEMS! Congratulations!!!
PI of Nanoferti project, prof. Aniketkumar Gade, attended to Emerging Trends in Science and Technology organized by SGB Amravati University on January 3rd-4th 2025. Dr Gade, as a invited speaker, gave a talk entitled "Bionanocomposites for Sustainable Future" and disseminated results of our project Polonez Bis 2: NANOFERTI.
Dr Aniketkumar Gade, as a invited speaker attended to National Conference Science and Legal Interventions Targeting E-waste Problem which held on 20-21 December 2024 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India. (https://gisewp.in/).
He delivered a talk on the topic "NANOTECHNOLOGY IN E-WASTE MANAGEMENT" and chaired the Technical session- I " Scientific Innovations in E-Waste Management".
Dr Aniketkumar Gade, PI of Nanoferti project attended to NATIONAL CONFERENCE
ON FUNGAL FRONTIERS: BIODIVERSITY, BIOMOLECULES AND BIOENGINEERING APPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE PERSPECTIVES &
51st Annual Meeting of Mycological Society of India (Prof. C.V. Subramanian Birth Centenary Celebration) which took place in JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN (INDIA) on November 27th -29th 2024. Dr Gade gave a talk entitled "Fungi as a sustainable source for nanoparticle synthesis" which disseminated results of our project Polonez Bis2: NANOFERTI.
Prof. Ph.D. Patrycja Golińska and Joanna Trzcińska-Wencel, MSc, participated in the 10th Nanotech & Nanomaterials Research Conference in London (Nano-London 2024) on November 6-8, 2024, where the research results related to NANOFERTI project were presented. Two poster presentations were displayed: Metal Bionanoparticles: Optimization of Mycosynthesis, Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activities Against Crop Pathogens oraz Biosynthesized Metal Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Activity for Stimulation of Plant Growth.
On June 26-29, 2024, the NANOFERTI scientific team participated in the 9th International Weigl Conference, which took place in Rzeszów. It was an opportunity to present the research results obtained in our project. In the Environmental Microbiology and Taxonomy session, chaired by prof. Golińska, an invited lecture entitled: Synthesis of nanoparticles by soil fungi: an environment-friendly approach was delivered by Dr. Aniketkumar Gade.
Julia Nadrowska and Joanna Trzcińsk-Wencel presented a poster entitled: Optimization of biosynthesis of metal-based nanoparticles, their characteristics and antimicrobial activities against crop pathogens.
Success of our team member!!!!
Today, May 24th, 2024, the results of 8th edition of grants4NCUStudents competiotion were published, the winner of which has been Julia Nadrowska.
Julia received a travel grant thanks to which she will participate in the 9th edition of the Weigl Conference in Rzeszów. This is a recognized international conference at which Julia will present the results of study obtained under our grant. Congratulations!
https://idub.umk.pl/grants4ncustudents-8h-edition-2024/
On 24th May 2024 our Team within the global action "Fascination of Plants Day", conducted a workshop "Culture stimulators: Zinc Nanoparticles promote plant growth" for high school students. Seventeen students participated in the workshops. It would be a great opportunity to introduce young people to the research conducted by our team within the Polonez Bis grant!
https://www.biol.umk.pl/wiadomosci/?id=33993
Dr Aniketkumar Gade gave a talk “ Mycogenic Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles: A Green Approach” on the SciPro meeting at the Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences which took place on Friday, 26th April 2024.
It was a great opportunity to present the objectives of our Project to scientists, students, PhD students and other employees of our Faculty and summarize the results obtained during the first six months of the grant.
https://www.biol.umk.pl/wiadomosci/?id=33805
Seminar at the Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences
On March 6, Dr. Aniketkumar Gade gave an interesting talk "Bionanocomposites as a nanofertilizer" on the seminar for students of biology and biotechnology courses.
It was an opportunity to present the objectives of our scientific project carried out at the Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the research results to date.
NANOFERTI TEAM AT THE CONFERENCE IN TORUŃ
On February 28th 2024 out team attended to the V symposium biomaterials in medicine and cosmethology organized at the Faculty of Chemistry of Nicolaus Copenicus University.
PI of the Nanoferti project, as a invited speaker, gave a talk "Bionanocomposites: a green material for sustainable future"
https://uroda.umk.pl/pages/Sympozjum_2024/
Biology Night
On January, 12th 2024 Our team conducted classes for secondary school students, during which they could learn about the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and their practical application in various areas of human life, including medicine, food production and agriculture.
This meeting took place as part of the annual edition of the Biology Night organized at the Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences of Nicolaus Copernicus University and was intended to interest young people in studying biological fields in general and Bionanotechnology in particular.
We invite you to follow the photo report from this event!
POLONEZ BIS Kick-off meeting
Prof. Gade and Prof. Golinska participated in the third POLONEZ BIS Kick-off meeting on 30 November-1 December 2023 in NCN, Cracow
