Report of
FNCA 2011 Workshop on Electron Accelerator Application Project
- Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers -

The JFY 2011 FNCA Electron Accelerator Application workshop was held in Manila, Philippines from January 30th to February 2nd, 2012. The program and participants list are attached as Annex 1 and Annex 2, respectively.
On the first day, an open seminar was held with the aim of dissemination of knowledge regarding radiation processing. About forty people from research institutes, agricultural and industrial sector participated in the seminar. Engr. Raul Sabularse, Deputy Executive Director, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD-DOST) and Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan gave opening remarks. Alumanda Dela Rosa, Director of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI-DOST) gave a presentation on PNRI's new program on electron beam applications, followed by three lectures and round table discussion.

Open Seminar

Exhibition (simultaneously held with Open Seminar)

In the afternoon of the first day, each country reported on production of PGP by radiation processing of natural polymers and status of field test using PGP. Participants from Kazakhstan and Mongolia also introduced their research institutes as well as research plans for 2012.

Workshop

The first session of the second day was initiated with review of PGP research outcomes. It has been confirmed as a result of the field tests that yields of vegetables, fruit, rice, etc. increased by approximately 60% at a maximum. In the afternoon, participants discussed challenges for extension and commercialization of Oligo-Chitosan PGP as well as works plan for 2012-2013. The participating countries agreed that they would conduct field tests using rice plant and capsicum, which are crops with high economic effects, and continue to strengthen the collaboration with agricultural research institutes. There was also an agreement to continuously carry out study on synergy effects of biofertilizer and PGP.
On the third day, participants respectively gave a country report on production and application of hydrogel Super Water Absorbent (SWA) by radiation cross-linking and grafting of natural polymers. It was indicated that SWA has high water absorbability and water retentivity, and is effective for agricultural use as a soil conditioner in drought areas. Member countries decided to press ahead with research and development and information exchange in order to optimize the properties such as water absorption rate and biodegradability and the SWA manufacturing process for field tests. In addition, it was agreed to formulate guidelines for users of PGP and SWA in order to promote practical application of the achievements of field tests obtained at the workshop. It was found that SWA could improve the yield of some plants such as tomato, coffee and tea, and others. However, considering abundance of raw materials and radiation modification methods are different for each country, further research and developments are required to optimize production process.
On the fourth day, a discussion on coordination of the FNCA project with RCA/IAEA project on radiation processing was held. Dr.Kamaruddin Bin Hashim of Nuclear Malaysia presented the activities, such as meetings, training courses, and seminars, and the outcome of activities on radiation processing of natural polymers, possible cooperation, and the ways and means of cooperation. At the wrap-up session, member countries agreed to formulate guidelines for the purpose of promoting practical application of the achievements of field tests obtained at the workshop of PGP and SWA. In addition, it was confirmed to continue the R&D and information exchange to optimize production process of SWA.
In the afternoon, participants visited the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute in Quezon City, Philippines. They went the Chemistry Research Laboratory, the Biomedical Research Laboratory, and the Co-60 Multipurpose Irradiation Facility.

Co-60 Multipurpose Irradiation Facility

Pilot Plant for Hydrogel Production

Minutes of
FNCA 2011 Workshop on Electron Accelerator Application Project
- Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers -

2) Workshop Program

Open Seminar on "Radiation Processing for Industrial Application"
An open seminar on "Radiation Processing for Industrial Application" was held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila, the Philippines. About forty (40) people from research institutes, agricultural and industrial sector participated in the seminar.

Engr. Raul Sabularse, Deputy Executive Director, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD-DOST) and Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan gave opening remarks. It was emphasized that the seminar should provide a good opportunity to learn the advantages and possible applications of radiation processing to meet the needs of the industries and people in the Philippines.

Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan, introduced the global trends of industrial applications of radiation processing. Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa, Director of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI-DOST) gave a presentation on PNRI's new program on electron beam applications. Dr. Kamaruddin Bin Hashim, Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) presented the success story of facemask production by radiation processing in Malaysia. Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hien, Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) reported on the commercial applications of radiation processing of natural polymers in Vietnam. Dr. Masao Tamada, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) made a presentation on the applications of radiation-induced graft polymerization, which led to many practical products such as electro conductive separator membrane in button-shaped batteries, etc. and a novel adsorbent material developed in collaboration with private companies which was commercialized in September 2010.

After the presentations, there was a round table discussion. Participants actively interacted with the panel members. The conclusions of the discussions were to continue current research studies such as those on hydrogels applied in biomedical field; to open collaborations on radiation processing and make-available to other research institutes and the irradiation facility; and socio-economic concerns such as market surveys, information dissemination on radiation processing, and transfer of technology.

Opening Session
Dr. Sueo Machi gave an opening speech and hoped for fruitful discussions at the workshop. Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa delivered a welcoming remark and expressed warm welcome to all participants. The participants then briefly introduced themselves. The list of participants of the workshop is attached as Annex 2.

Session 1: Overview of FNCA
Dr. Sueo Machi reported on the FNCA Achievements and 12th Ministerial Level Meeting in 2010-2011. He presented the major points of resolution adapted by the 12th Ministerial Meeting. The highlights and results of the ten (10) on-going FNCA projects were enumerated and stressed the importance of strengthening the linkage of nuclear research institutes and end-users to a better outcome of FNCA projects.

Dr. Masao Tamada, Project Leader of Japan, presented the current activities and the implementation plan of the Electron Accelerator Application project. The 3rd phase (2009-2011) of this project focused on R&D on plant growth promoter (PGP) and super water absorbent (SWA) utilizing the advantages of radiation processing. In 2011, member countries continued field tests of PGP and R&D activities of SWA. Field test of oligochitosan PGP on rice in large scale of 24 ha was carried out in Malaysia. Crop yield increased by 5%. Additionally, the tests of germination and effect on rice blast showed that PGP can replace commercial germination compounds and synthetic fungicides. SWA hydrogels are expected to be applied as soil conditioner especially in arid areas. In Vietnam, usage of SWA in valuable crops such as tea, coffee, and pepper had been demonstrated. Other field tests on SWA application are on-going for rubber, cassava, dragon fruit. Upcoming field test data on SWA as soil conditioner, especially in drought areas, require systematic presentation so that end users will comprehend the positive effect of SWA in agricultural application. Participating countries were requested to summarize the results of their study on PGP and SWA in datasheets (one datasheet for each plant studied) and discuss approaches to effective technology transfer of PGP and SWA in this workshop.

Session 2: Country Report on Production and Field/Pot Test of Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) from Chitosan by Radiation Processing
Ten (10) FNCA member states presented reports, detailing their activities for 2011 on oligochitosan PGP obtained by radiation processing. Kazakhstan and Mongolia, which are new participants to the project, introduced their Institutes and presented their workplan for 2012. The summaries of the reports are attached as Annex 3 Part A.

Session 3: Summary & Conclusion of Results in 2009 - 2011
Dr. Darmawan Darwis, Project Leader of Indonesia, made a lead speech on the summary of his research work on irradiated chitosan PGP. Results of oligochitosan application in chili and soybean indicated a yield increase of 25-50%.

Dr. Le Hai (VAEI) presented the summary and conclusion of his PGP project. He also made recommendations for the use of other raw materials (such as chitosan from horseshoe crabs, and peroxide as initiator) to lower down production costs.

Most FNCA countries except Kazakhstan and Mongolia, have achieved certain results showing the positive effect of oligochitosan produced by radiation degradation of chitosan for promotion of plant growth. Field test studies confirmed that the yields of rice, chili and soybeans increased by the use of oligochitosan. It has also been shown that olig-chitosan has an effect to protect plants from disease, such as fungi and Fusarium, by enhancing immune ability of plant. In some countries, the field tests are carried out by collaboration with agricultural institutes. Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines produce oligochitosan by using existing Co-60 irradiator in their respective nuclear research institutes, while in some countries the private companies have started commercial production of oligochitosan using radiation facilities in nuclear research institutes. In most cases, production of oligochitosan is conducted by following the guidelines prepared by the FNCA project.

Session 4: Challenges for Extension and Commercialization of Oligo-Chitosan PGP
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hien delivered a lead speech on challenges on commercialization of oligo-chitosan production. Mass production of oligo-chitosan PGP is of concern. To address this, one suggestion was to survey or identify available chitosan suppliers in each country, to sustain production of oligochitosan. Proposals were presented on the use of other raw materials and establishment of additional nuclear facilities for mass production of oligochitosan. Member states were encouraged to provide intensive marketing surveys for cost production of oligo-chitosan PGP and present it to target companies for mass production. Standard operating procedure, as agreed among member states, will be provided upon commercialization of oligochitosan PGP. Additions on nuclear facilities for commercialization will be addressed to IAEA for assistance.

Session 5: Work Plan of R/D on Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) by Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers for 2012 - 2013
Dr. Kamaruddin Bin Hashim of Nuclear Malaysia presented the workplan of research and development on PGP by radiation processing of natural polymers for 2012-2013. Plants understudied are different for each member states, however, it was agreed by the members to use rice as the common plant of FNCA countries for application of oligo-chitosan to increase yield, since rice is the most important plant for all countries, and yield increase by application of oligo-chitosan has been proven in countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. Sharing of research results will be more effective among the members. Vietnam and Malaysia accepted the task of formulating the guideline for the application of oligo-chitosan on rice, while for chili, Indonesia and Thailand agreed to formulate the guideline. FNCA countries will use these guidelines for effective application of oligo-chitosan PGP. Building towards commercialization, each member state should strengthen the linkage with agriculture sectors such as agricultural institutes for selection of plants and conducting field tests on the application of oligo-chitosan for selected plants. Other points of interest are as follows:

Session 6: Country Report on Production and Application of Hydrogel Super Water Absorbent by Radiation Cross-linking and Grafting of Natural Polymers
Nine (9) member countries presented their reports on research activities on SWA. Mongolia made a short presentation for the possible research activity on SWA by Radiation Cross-linking and Grafting of Natural Polymers. The summary of the report is attached as Annex 3 Part B.

Session 7: Summary and Conclusion of Results in 2009 - 2011
Dr. Naotsugu Nagasawa of Japan Atomic Energy Agency presented the Summary of Radiation modified polysaccharides hydrogels as SWA and its application. He summarized the production process such as raw materials, modification method, performance of products, collaboration with agricultural institutes and company from MS country reports. The summaries of the production process and current activities and development of SWA in soil on plant growth are attached as Annex 4 Part B.

In conclusion, SWA prepared by radiation has good performance in water absorption with swelling ratio in deionized water more than 150 g/g, and they can be used as soil conditioner. It could improve the yield of some plants such as tomato, coffee and tea, and others. However, it was difficult to optimize production process since abundance of raw materials and radiation modification methods are different for each country.

Session 8: Challenges for Application of SWA as Soil Conditioner in Agriculture in Drought Region
Dr. Darmawan Darwis of BATAN and Dr. Phiriyatorn Suwanmala of TINT presented the challenges for the application of SWA in agriculture. The use of SWA, as emphasized by each member state, should identify raw materials with low price, available in large volume for the mass production of SWA with relatively low price. SWA application as soil conditioner should be maximized by optimizing parameters such as gel fraction, water swelling capacity, water retention, soil texture, and soil field capacity. Collaboration with the agricultural sector should be prioritized for field testing of SWA for appropriate plant in drought areas. Target companies for commercialization of SWA should be initiated.

Session 9: Work Plan of R/D on Super Water Absorbent (SWA) by Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers for 2012 - 2013
Dr. Le Hai delivered a lead speech on the possible workplan for the research and development of SWA by radiation processing of natural polymers for 2012-2013. Cost of production and commercialization of SWA are major concerns for each member states. Other concerns that need to be addressed are as follows:

Session 10: Coordination of the FNCA Project with RCA/IAEA Project on Radiation Processing
Dr. Sueo Machi made a short presentation on coordination of FNCA with RCA/IAEA in order to have possible synergy benefiting both. There are three (3) projects for coordination, namely, radiation processing, radiation oncology and mutation breeding. The cooperation could be in form of joint workshops, protocols developed by FNCA may be used by RCA/IAEA for training courses and RCA training for biological molecular techniques which is useful for FNCA project to develop new varieties. Dr. Machi also stressed the essential difference in functions between FNCA and RCA/IAEA, namely, research program and trainings respectively.

Dr Kammaruddin presented the activities, such as meetings, training courses, and seminars, and the outcome of activities on radiation processing of natural polymers, possible cooperation, and the ways and means of cooperation.

It was agreed to continue cooperation between RCA and FNCA appropriately.

Session 11: Conclusion and Summary Report
Conclusion on the researches on PGP and SWA were addressed. Targets were met for the research on PGP. Hence, field tests, transfer of technology, and commercialization were highly recommended. The research on SWA will be continued, such as optimization and characterization of the products. Workshops and training courses are advised especially for the new members, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, for human resource development and empowerment.

The minutes was reviewed and approved after discussion.

Closing Session
Dr. Lucille Abad and Dr. Sueo Machi gave the closing remarks. The next workshop is planned to be held in Bangladesh.

Technical Visit
The participants visited the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute in Quezon City, Philippines. They went the Chemistry Research Laboratory, the Biomedical Research Laboratory, and the Co-60 Multipurpose Irradiation Facility. The Chemistry Research Laboratory, headed by Dr. Lucille Abad, spearheads the research on radiation processing. The participants also went to see the pilot plant for production of hydrogels. The Biomedical Research Facility holds an accredited laboratory for microbiology studies like determining bioburden and shelf-life of products. The Co-60 Multipurpose Facility carries out all irradiation services for commercial and research purposes.

3) Conclusion and Recommendations
This workshop made the following conclusions and recommendations:

A. Plant Growth Promoter (PGP)
1. Conclusion:
The success of this cycle was evident from the results of each member states, as presented. The next stage for study on oligo-chitosan PGP is field test applications using rice as the common crop among member states.

2. Recommendations:
The member states agreed to continue the project on radiation processing of natural polymers, aiming for the following:
 - field testing, in collaboration with the agricultural sectors
 - technology transfer
 - commercialization

B. Super Water Absorbent (SWA)
1. Conclusion:
Preliminary results on SWA presented by the member states were promising for agricultural use.

2. Recommendations:
The member states agreed to continue the project aiming to optimize production process of SWA. It was recommended that a feasibility studies towards commercialization should be conducted and intensify pot tests/field tests activities.

The suggested next venue for the workshop is Bangladesh.

4) Attachments

Program of
FNCA 2011 Workshop on Electron Accelerator Application Project
- Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers -

List of Participants
FNCA 2011 Workshop on Electron Accelerator Application Project
- Radiation Processing of Natural Polymers -

Bangladesh

China

Indonesia

Japan

Kazakhstan

Malaysia

Mongolia

Philippines

Thailand

Vietnam