Nanoprecipitation technique for the encapsulation of agrochemical active ingredients

Abstract

In 1997, a research programme was initiated to assess the ability of nanospheres (NS) to improve the biodelivery of a new insecticide to plants. Stable polymeric NS, with a size near 135 nm and an encapsulation rate in the range of 3.5%, have been obtained using a nanoprecipitation method with Eudragit S100 polymer. Biological studies have been performed on cotton plants infested with aphid, to estimate the direct contact efficacy of NS formulations on the insects and the systemicity of the encapsulated active ingredient and its level of penetration through the plant, compared to a classical suspension used as a reference. Results indicate that NS formulations are not so good as the reference in terms of speed of action and sustained release. Nevertheless, NS formulation performed better than the reference to enhance the systemicity of the AI and improve its penetration through the plant. It is concluded that the NS do not provide a controlled release of AI but, due to their small size, they enhance the penetration in the plant compared to the classical suspension.

Chitosan nanoparticle based delivery systems for sustainable agriculture

“…A few years later polymeric nanocapsules were described as vehicles for the pesticides ivermectin and acetamiprid [197], while Wang et al [198] used nanosized inorganic particles such as TiO 2 , SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , or Al 2 O 3 as pesticide carriers for increased bioactivity and reduction in residues. Boehm et al [199] obtained stable polymeric nanospheres (135 nm) with 3.5% encapsulation rate and despite the low active ingredient content, this formulation yielded significant improvements in the bioavailability of the insecticide (RPA 107382) to plants. These researchers also performed biological studies on cotton plants infested with aphids to estimate the direct contact efficacy of nanosphere formulations on insects.…”

Nano-fertilizers and Their Smart Delivery System

“…The formulation of any nano-fertilizer should be in such a way that they possess all desired properties such as high solubility, stability, effectiveness, time-controlled release, enhanced targeted activity with effective concentration, and less eco-toxicity with safe, easy mode of delivery and disposal (Tsuji 2001;Boehm et al 2003;Green and Beestman 2007;Torney et al 2007). Nanoparticles have great potential to deliver nutrients to specific target sites in living systems.…”

Nanosuspensions: Emerging Novel Agrochemical Formulations

“…Thus polycaprolactone and polylactic acid nanospheres (NS) were examined for the nanoencapsulation of the insecticide ethiprole (Bohem et al 2003). The authors concluded that NS did not provide a controlled release of the AI but, due to their small size, they enhance the penetration through the leaf and consequently boost the systemic activity relative to the classical SC formulations.…”