PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (December 17, 2025) — Prairie View A&M University is advancing the future of food safety through a new $100,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The award supports a collaborative research project led by Sameh Abdelwahed, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, working alongside Keyan Zhu-Salzman, Ph.D., professor of entomology at Texas A&M University.
Sameh Abdelwahed, Ph.D.
The project, titled “Enhancing Food Storage Using Natural Plant Oils and Nano-Preservatives to Prevent Insect Infestation,” aims to develop innovative, eco-friendly preservatives made from plant-derived essential oils. By pairing these natural oils with advanced nanotechnology, the team seeks to reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides while strengthening the protection of stored agricultural products.
At the core of the research is the creation of chitosan-based nanoparticles and nanocapsules designed to encapsulate essential oils such as neem, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and cedarwood. These nano-preservatives are engineered for slow, controlled release, offering long-lasting defense against common storage pests. The work includes formulation and characterization of the nanostructures, advanced release studies and kinetic modeling, and rigorous testing against insects like the Indian meal moth and red flour beetle.
The project will also explore how these materials can be incorporated into real-world food storage systems and evaluate safety considerations to ensure the solutions are practical, scalable and consumer-friendly.
Beyond its scientific contributions, the project delivers significant benefits to Prairie View A&M University. Undergraduate researchers will gain hands-on experience with high-impact work at the intersection of nanotechnology, chemistry and sustainable agriculture—experience that positions them competitively for graduate programs and STEM careers. The grant also reinforces PVAMU’s growing leadership in research addressing global challenges in food security, environmental sustainability and pest resistance.
By Joe McGinty