Gelatin Reinforced with CNCs as Nanocomposite Matrix for Trichoderma harzianum KUEN 1585 Spores in Seed Coatings

Abstract

Increasing interest on sustainable agriculture has led to the development of new materials which can be used as seed coating agents. In this study, a new material was developed based on gelatin film reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) which was further used as nanocomposite matrix for Trichoderma harzianum KUEN 1585 spores. The nanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing the formation of new hydrogen bonds between the components with a good compatibility between them. Measurements of water contact angles and tests of water vapor sorption and swelling degree revealed an improvement in the water vapor absorption properties of the films as a result of their reinforcement with CNC. Furthermore, by adding the Trichoderma harzianum KUEN 1585 spp. in the seed coating material, the germination percentage, speed of germination and roots length of the corn seeds improved. The polymeric coating did not inhibit the growth of T. harzianum KUEN 1585, with this material being a good candidate in modern agriculture.

Engineering Sulfur‐Containing Polymeric Fire‐Retardant Coatings for Fire‐Safe Rigid Polyurethane Foam

“…[ 33 ] Other notable peaks include 1449 cm −1 for methylene variable‐angle vibration and asymmetric methyl variable‐angle vibration, 1395 cm −1 for symmetric methyl variable‐angle vibration, and 1159 and 1073 cm −1 for asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of sulfonic acid salts. [ 34 ] Additionally, there are peaks at 1036 cm −1 for stretching vibrations of alcohol and ester C─O, and 892 cm −1 for stretching vibrations of S─O. [ 35 ]…”