Engineering Atrazine Loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles to Ameliorate Environmental Challenges

Abstract

The use of herbicides plays a vital role in controlling weeds and conserving crops; however, its usage generates both environmental and economic problems. For example, herbicides pose a financial issue as farmers must apply large quantities to protect crops due to absorption rates of less than 0.1%. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of new methods to mitigate these issues. Here, we report for the first time the synthesis of poly(lactic- co-glycolic-acid) (PLGA) nanoherbicides loaded with atrazine as an active ingredient. We used potato plants as a biological model to assess the herbicidal activity of the engineered PLGA nanoherbicides. Our method produced nanoherbicides with an average size of 110 ± 10 nm prior to lyophilization. Fifty percent of the loaded atrazine in the PLGA matrix is released in 72 h. Furthermore, we performed Monte Carlo simulations to determine the chemical interaction among atrazine, PLGA, and the solvent system. One of the most significant outcomes of these simulations was to find the formation of a hydrogen bond of 1.9 Å between PLGA and atrazine, which makes this interaction very stable. Our in vitro findings showed that as atrazine concentration is increased in PLGA nanoparticles, potato plants undergo a significant decrease in stem length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, and the number of leaves, with root length being the most affected. These experimental results suggest the herbicidal effectiveness of atrazine-loaded PLGA nanoherbicides in inhibiting the growth of the potato plant. Hence, we present the proof-of-concept for using PLGA nanoherbicides as an alternative method for inhibiting weed growth. Future studies will involve a deep understanding of the mechanism of plant-nanoherbicide interaction as well as the role of PLGA as a growth potentiator.

Nanotechnology for Plant Disease Management

“…For example, montmorillonite clay layers coated with a pH dependent polymer [97], core-hollow shell manganese carbonate [98], nanosized tubular halloysite and platy kaolinite [99], amino-activated iron (II,III) oxide magnetic nanoparticles [100] and nanosized rice husks [101], have been used to date. Atrazine (C) Poly (lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Potato plant - [113] In this table, the tested herbicide with the HRAC MoA group and nanocarrier are listed. Experiments conducted against targeted pests or exploring environmental factors such as off-target toxicity and soil leaching are specified.…”

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle Synthesis and Its Effect on Biomass in Medicago sativa Cell Suspension Cultures

“…It was observed that the root length was affected the most among these parameters. Thus, it has been proposed that PLGA nanoherbicides can be used as an alternative method to prevent weed growth [44]. Tong et al stated that nanoparticles obtained in the formulation in which metolachlor was encapsulated into mPEG-PLGA increased the solubility of hydrophobic metolachlor in water and did not contain any active substance on its surface.…”

Atrazine nanoencapsulation improves pre‐emergence herbicidal activity against Bidens pilosa without enhancing long‐term residual effect on Glycine max

“…In recent years, different types of nanomaterials have been used for the development of carrier systems for atrazine and other herbicides, with promising results regarding their herbicidal activity against target plants . For example, atrazine‐loaded poly(lactic‐ co ‐glycolic‐acid) nanoparticles effectively inhibited the growth of potato plants, and solid lipid nanoparticles co‐loaded with atrazine and simazine showed effective pre‐ and post‐emergence control of Raphanus raphanistrum plants . Moreover, paraquat‐containing chitosan nanoparticles had reduced toxicity to non‐target organisms in comparison with the conventional herbicide, while keeping the herbicidal activity against Brassica sp .…”

“…In recent years, different types of nanoparticles have been developed as carrier systems for atrazine, including poly(ϵ‐caprolactone), poly(lactic‐ co ‐glycolic‐acid), and solid lipid nanoparticles . Our research group have demonstrated that atrazine‐containing poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules have a high encapsulation efficiency (approximately 87%) and a controlled release of the herbicide governed by relaxation of the polymer chains, in addition to being rather stable over a period of 270 days .…”

“…11,12 Many pesticide-loaded polymeric nanocapsules have been shown to increase the effectiveness of these agrochemicals on pest control, allowing the application of lower doses concomitant with a lowered risk of environmental contamination and a decreased toxicity to non-target organisms. 13 In recent years, different types of nanoparticles have been developed as carrier systems for atrazine, including poly( -caprolactone), 14,15 poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid), 16 and solid lipid nanoparticles. 17 Our research group have demonstrated that atrazine-containing poly( -caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules have a high encapsulation efficiency (approximately 87%) and a controlled release of the herbicide governed by relaxation of the polymer chains, in addition to being rather stable over a period of 270 days.…”