Objectives
The project aims to identify the ten most relevant off-target proteins for each plant protection product analysed, providing a detailed understanding of their potential unintended interactions. By characterising the molecular interactions between these compounds and their target proteins, the initiative seeks to clarify the mechanisms underlying their effects. Building on this knowledge, the project also aims to develop guidelines for the creation of new plant protection products based on the “Safe by Design” principle, placing safety at the centre of the earliest stages of product development. Ultimately, this approach seeks to establish a new standard for chemical safety assessment, improving both regulatory practices and industry benchmarks.
Initial Challenge
The main challenge is to assess the safety of plant protection products efficiently and accurately, taking into account their potential off-target effects across a wide range of human and animal proteins.Traditional methods are often limited in their ability to predict unintended effects and may require significant time and resources.
Solution
The project combines toxicological analyses based on scientific literature with in silico proteomic screening using SPILLO-PBSS technology. This approach offers several significant advantages, including: early identification of potential health risks; substantial reductions in the time and cost associated with traditional safety testing methods; a deeper understanding of toxicity mechanisms at the molecular level; support for the development of safer plant protection products; the potential to extend the methodology to other classes of chemical compounds.
Benefits
The project will enable the early identification of potential health risks associated with plant protection products, allowing proactive measures to be taken to improve safety. By streamlining the assessment process, it will significantly reduce the time and costs typically required by traditional safety testing methods. This greater efficiency is complemented by a deeper understanding of toxicity mechanisms at the molecular level. These insights will not only support safer product design, but also contribute to broader scientific knowledge in the field. The project will therefore help promote the development of safer plant protection products while minimising their potential impact on human health and the environment. In addition, the methodologies and knowledge generated through the initiative could be applied to other classes of chemical compounds, extending its benefits across a wide range of industrial sectors.
IFAB’s Role
IFAB participated in the project as a funding organisation, selecting it as part of its investment programmes in research, innovation and technology transfer. IFAB’s contribution consisted of recognising the project’s scientific and practical value and providing financial support, thereby enabling the technical partners to carry out the planned research activities. This involvement further confirms IFAB’s mission as an accelerator of high-impact initiatives for the local area and the wider production ecosystem.
Partners
For further information, please contact: projects@ifabfoundation.org
