DSU researchers awarded patents for innovation in energy crop propagation

Delaware State University has received a significant boost in its agricultural and energy research efforts, as two of its researchers were recently awarded a series of patents for their groundbreaking work in plant propagation.

Dr. Bertrand Hankoua, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Ecology, and Dr. Ayalew Osena, a former DSU postdoctoral researcher now at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, developed an innovative system for mass-producing the Giant Miscanthus plant—a major energy crop with high demand in biofuel production.

The two scientists were granted three patents for their invention, titled “System for Rapid, Robust, and Efficient in vitro Mass Propagation of MISCANTHUS x GIGANTEUS.”

The three patents correspond to three distinct processes in the system, which collectively overcome the major obstacles of time and cost in propagating this vital plant.

Miscanthus x giganteus is a key feedstock for U.S. biofuel production, valued for its potential to generate renewable energy, bio-based chemicals, and other bioenergy products.

However, its sterile nature made it difficult to mass-propagate—until now.

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Giant Miscanthus plants are highly prized for their use in renewable energy, but the lack of seeds and slow natural reproduction have posed significant challenges for large-scale cultivation.

Hankoua, the primary inventor, explains that, while the plant’s potential is immense, its difficulty in propagation made it a costly endeavor.

His team’s research, funded by a 2014 USDA grant, aimed to tackle this issue by developing a rapid, efficient propagation method.

The breakthrough process involves harvesting immature shoots, known as “tillers,” from Giant Miscanthus plants.

These shoots are sterilized, split in half, and placed into a specially designed culture media enriched with plant growth hormones.

This procedure allows the shoots to multiply at an accelerated rate, producing hundreds and even thousands of new seedlings in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Osena, who worked alongside Hankoua, highlights the success of the method.

“We started with split immature tillers, which then produced new shoots in vitro. From there, we were able to generate large numbers of seedlings,” he said.
“We planted some of these seedlings at DSU’s Research Farm in Smyrna, Delaware, back in 2016, and today, those plants have formed a dense, thriving strand that resembles a jungle.”

The impact of this development could revolutionize the production of Miscanthus x giganteus, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective cultivation, which could meet growing demand in renewable energy sectors.

Hankoua is focused on taking the research to the next stage.

“With the technology now patented, we are looking to license it to growers across local, regional, and international markets,” he said. “This system can be used by companies that specialize in growing Miscanthus for applications in biofuels, biobased chemicals, and other green technologies.”

Other DSU patents

This is not the first patent awarded to DSU researchers.

The university has a growing list of intellectual property, with other faculty members also making significant contributions to scientific advancement.

Notably, Dr. Nourenddine Melikechi and Dr. Aristides Marcano received patents for their work in fiber optics, while Dr. Andrew Goudy and colleagues have patented innovations in catalytic alloys. Dr. Mukti Rana’s work in infrared detection technology also earned multiple patents over the years.