The
potential of lignosulfonates as widely underutilized byproducts
of the pulp and paper industry for the synthesis of a biodegradable
pesticide carrier system was assessed in this study. Design of experiment
software MODDE Pro was for the first time applied to optimize lignosulfonate
granule production using Myceliophthora thermophila laccase as a biocatalyst. Enzymatic cross-linking was monitored
using size exclusion chromatography coupled online to multiangle laser
light scattering, viscosity measurement, and enzyme activity. The
determined optimal and experimentally confirmed incubation conditions
were: 33 °C, 30 cm3/min O2 supply, and
190 min reaction time. The granules were thereafter loaded with 2
g/kg 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (Dicamba), a broad-spectrum
herbicide. According to the HPLC analysis, complete release of Dicamba
was achieved after 48 h of release. This study showed the green production
of a 100% lignosulfonate-based biodegradable solid carrier with potential
application in agriculture.