• Researchers at Tecnologico de Monterrey are developing nanoparticles that activate natural defenses in crops, improving their resistance and productivity.
• The project aims to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and increase food sovereignty with accessible solutions for small and medium-sized producers.
• With partners in Canada, Chile, and Colombia, the research team is validating the positive impact on microbiota, soil, and the environment, aiming for regenerative agriculture.

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. July 2025.– Researchers at Tecnologico de Monterrey are leading a pioneering project in the country that explores the potential of nanobiotechnology to improve the natural processes of nutrition, immunity, and development in plants, marking an important step toward more sustainable and resilient agriculture in Mexico.

Although nanotechnology has been widely applied in sectors such as electronics and materials, its integration with biotechnology for agricultural purposes represents an emerging field with enormous potential.

The project is distinguished by inducing immunization mechanisms in plants, emulating the biological processes that vaccines generate in humans, using nanoparticles to trigger defensive responses in plants, with an initial focus on short-cycle vegetable crops in the region of Jalisco.

“The speed of the cultivation cycles allows us to observe results in just a few months. This, combined with the use of short-cycle seeds, not only improves production but also has the potential to strengthen Mexico’s food sovereignty in a context of geopolitical changes,” says Dr. Diego Eloyr Navarro-López, Research Professor in Food Security and Nutrition within the Health Research Cluster at the School of Engineering and Science of Tecnologico de Monterrey, Guadalajara Campus, and leader of the project.

The nanoparticles the research team has developed, such as titanium oxide or chitosan, stimulate the production of endogenous antioxidant compounds in plants, improving their growth, resistance to water stress, and their ability to absorb nutrients.

In addition, the technology promotes interaction between roots and beneficial soil microorganisms, enhancing metabolic development and water absorption under adverse conditions.

Studies conducted so far in the laboratory and greenhouse (TRL4 level) indicate high compatibility with soil microorganisms, with no detectable toxic effects on plants, fish, or animals. However, the next step will be to take these tests to open-field crops to evaluate the real impact on agricultural ecosystems.

In a context where there is still no specific legislation for nano-agricultural-inputs in Mexico, the team seeks to stay ahead of the regulatory framework with a strategy based on the synthesis of stable and biocompatible nanoparticles, prioritizing compounds already approved in other industries (such as chitosan or hydroxyapatite).

The objective is also to have political impact, contributing scientific evidence to the development of appropriate regulation. The relevant authorities include COFEPRIS, SENASICA, and SAGARPA, which require rigorous studies on toxicity, environmental impact, and accumulation in aquifers.

The advances have been validated in crops such as poblano pepper, saladette tomato, Cavendish banana, and blueberry, with promising results. Through partnerships with farmer cooperatives and biological fertilizer companies, the aim is to scale the technology and facilitate its adoption in the field.

“The production of microorganisms is simple and low-cost; moreover, we apply the nanoparticles in microdoses, which makes them viable for medium-scale producers,” explains Dr. Navarro-López.

On the other hand, Dr. Edgar René López Mena, research professor with a Ph.D. in solid-state physics and co-leader of the research initiative, noted that the production of a single gram of nanoparticle—although it may take days or weeks depending on its type—is carried out under strict control to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

The future landscape: Circular economy and regenerative agriculture

The team is already working on foliar formulations and on the revalorization of citrus waste and essential oils as raw materials for new nanoparticles, thus promoting the circular economy.

The synergy between science and sustainability drives a regenerative agricultural model that seeks to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and environmental impact, without compromising productivity.

The project is supported by a multidisciplinary team composed of agricultural biotechnologists, physicists, computer engineers, and specialists in computational modeling and machine learning.

International collaborations with the University of British Columbia (Canada) and the University of La Frontera (Chile) strengthen the scientific component, from plant molecular dynamics to the design of nanoparticles combined with microorganisms.

Dr. Navarro-López also noted that safety studies will soon begin in collaboration with the University of the Andes in Colombia, while partnerships with national institutions such as UNAM and the University of Guadalajara remain active.

Nanobiotechnology represents a powerful tool for transforming Mexican agriculture. However, its large-scale adoption will depend on favorable public policies, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and training programs for farmers.

“Change is not only technological but also cultural. Our goal is for this technology to reach those who need it most—accessibly, safely, and with results that translate into social and environmental well-being,” concluded Dr. Navarro-López.

About Tecnologico de Monterrey

Tecnologico de Monterrey (http://www.tec.mx) is a private, nonprofit university, recognized for its academic excellence, educational innovation, and global vision. Founded in 1943, it operates in 33 cities across 20 Mexican states, with a student body of 62,000 undergraduates and graduates and over 27,000 high school students.

Accredited by SACSCOC since 1950, the university ranks 184th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and 4th in Latin America according to THE (Times Higher Education) Latin America University Rankings. Tecnologico de Monterrey is also recognized for its global employability and entrepreneurship programs and is a member of international networks such as APRU, U21, and WUN.

About the School of Engineering and Sciences at Tecnologico de Monterrey

The School of Engineering and Sciences (EIC) at Tecnologico de Monterrey is a leading institution in engineering and scientific education in Mexico and Latin America. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and industry collaboration, the EIC prepares students to tackle 21st-century challenges.

Its research is structured around three key areas: health, climate and sustainability, and industrial transformation, with additional strategic initiatives focusing on artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and semiconductors.

For more information, visit: https://eic.tec.mx/en