Biodegradable and Light-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Environmentally Safe Herbicide Delivery

Abstract

The low utilization efficiency of pesticides exerts an adverse impact on the environment and human health. Polymer-related controlled-release nanosized pesticide systems provide a promising and efficient way to overcome the problem. In this work, a biodegradable and light-responsive amphiphilic polymer was synthesized via 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine-promoted polyesterification under mild conditions (low temperature, no vacuum, and no inert gas protection). We used this polymer to fabricate a light-triggered controlled-release nanosized pesticide system. The herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), was selected as a model drug to show its potential as a controlled-release pesticide system. It was found that the 2,4-D-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were stable without the treatment of UV, while the release rate of 2,4-D from the nanoparticles gradually increased after treatment with UV light. Pot trial showed that the 2,4-D-loaded polymer nanoparticles showed a good herbicidal effect. Finally, toxicity studies suggested that the polymer can reduce toxicity to nontarget organisms.

Photo and acid dual degradable polymeric nanoparticles from an o-nitrobenzyl dithiol with thiol–ene click polymerization

“…Based on our previous research 29,30 and the results of others, [31][32][33] since the polyester intermediate segment PKNB in the polymer mPEG-PKNB-mPEG contains many o-nitrobenzyl structures, we believe that this polymer should have photodegradation function. We dissolved the polymer in THF and subjected it to UV irradiation at 365 nm for 3 or 6 min, and the products were characterized using 1 H NMR and GPC.…”

Direct Synthesis of Aliphatic Polyesters with Pendant Hydroxyl Groups from Bio-Renewable Monomers: A Reactive Precursor for Functionalized Biomaterials

“…A mPEG-b-(P7-asp&TPV)-b-mPEG nanoparticle was prepared via nanoprecipitation as previously reported . First, 100 mg of mPEG-b-(P7-asp&TPV)-b-mPEG was dissolved in 2 mL of THF.…”

Modern Approaches for the Development of New Herbicides Based on Natural Compounds

“…The polymer nanoparticles loaded with 2,4-D were stable without UV treatment, while the AI was released from nanoparticles under the ultraviolet radiation. Laboratory experiments have shown that this nanoCRF of 2,4-D exhibit a good herbicidal effect and reduced toxicity against non-target organisms [115].…”