Mode of Action
AgriTitan™ uses a natural process similar to photosynthesis; it uses light to power chemical transformations. This process is called photocatalysis.
Photocatalysts mediate chemical reactions and are activated by light energy. The process begins when light transfers its energy to the catalyst; this results in the mobilization of negatively charged electrons which migrate through the catalyst, leaving positively charged “holes”. The electrons and “holes” move to the surface of the catalyst, where they create highly reactive chemical entities termed Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) from atmospheric oxygen and water vapor. The ROS degrade a wide range of organic materials, but their oxidant action is spatially localized and focused on organic toxins and pathogenic microorganisms contacted at the surface.
Photocatalytic antimicrobial action has been very well explored and documented since its discovery within titanium dioxide (TiO2) over 30 years ago. The semiconductor effect in nature is very, very subtle. This is why the effects went undiscovered for so long, despite titanium dioxide being found throughout our earth’s crust, and indeed, throughout our universe. While subtle, the photoactivity is persistent under illumination – the catalyst does not wear out.
Using innovative materials science, natural photocatalysis can be increased in light-energy efficiency and usefulness. This is much like solar cell panels, that have in just a few decades become much more efficient by, among other features, incorporating other elements into the silicon semiconductor crystal to result in practical light-powered electrical generation.
The anatase crystal polymorph of TiO2, the active ingredient in AgriTitan™, is the photocatalyst of choice for many reasons:
- More efficient photocatalytic activity
- Availability at moderate cost and industrial scale
- Recognition as a naturally occurring mineral
- Acknowledged minimal toxicologic risk
- Thermal and chemical stability
However, photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO2 requires ultraviolet light (UV), which is only a small fraction (less than 4%) of total solar irradiation. AgriTitan™ is designed to utilize both UV and a portion of visible light and be intrinsically more highly efficient as well. Patented AgriTitan™ is engineered for strong photoabsorption ability, large specific surface area, diminished photo carrier recombination, and economical manufacture using only ingredients which qualify for organic crop use.
For agricultural uses, the photocatalytic material must be engineered to self-assemble as a thin film on the plant surface, and it must maximize photocatalytic use of incident light while allowing the plant to fully absorb wavelengths needed for photosynthesis. The use of traditional titanium dioxide-based photocatalysts is limited in agriculture because they neither maximize use of available light energy nor properly distribute on the surface of the plant.
AgriTitan™ has been successfully engineered to provide a transparent TiO2 photocatalyst that fulfills these requirements. AgriTitan™ is able to utilize both UV light energy and selected visible light energy for maximum efficacy without inhibiting photosynthesis. Patented AgriTitan™ is a superior photocatalytic antimicrobial material that has repeatedly demonstrated protection of plants from epiphytic microbial disease. The light-powered broad-spectrum ROS surface chemistry of AgriTitan™ brings fresh new opportunities in crop protection. And beyond its powerful protection from the biotic stress of diseases, AgriTitan™’s unique mode of action brings extraordinary co-benefits including solar-powered fertilization while reducing air pollutants and reducing abiotic stress from sunburn. All while preserving the healthy soil microbiome.
