The use of fertilizers and pesticides in the cultivation of medicinal plants can have unintended adverse effects on herbal products and extracts. Eco-friendly formulations that safeguard consumer health are urgently needed, as underscored by existing standards for Good Agricultural Practices and increasing number of antimicrobial resistant pathogens, which are in the focus of the One-Health initiative. Moreover, the cultivation of medicinal plants produces a large amount of plant biomass waste. VALOR- LIGHT wants to tackle these problems by offering organic, self-sustaining agricultural methods that enhance product quality.

Social Impacts and targeted SDG

To attain climate neutrality and circularity, it is imperative to develop new circular strategies that effectively address future challenges while prioritizing safety by design. VALOR-LIGHT aims to explore the implementation of decentralized modular water treatment systems powered by solar energy. Our focus will be on assessing the feasibility of utilizing predominantly biobased nanomaterials, such as plant fibers, agricultural waste, algae, etc., and leveraging state-of-the-art sustainable manufacturing techniques to fabricate these systems. VALOR-LIGHT will make impact as it aims for enhanced medicinal plant production by using innovative technologies to recuperate phytocompounds from their by-products via: (1) plant-specific beneficial microbes to stimulate production, (2) complementing light-activated compounds obtained from recycled plant wastes, and (3) nanomaterials encapsulating MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) to develop bio-based products for plant growth and microorganism control addressing SDG3 (good health and well-being) and SDG6 (clean water and sanitation).

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Coordination: PD Dr. Bianka Siewert
                          Prof. Simone Moser