Nano-sized Delivery for Agricultural Chemicals

Abstract

In today's ever-increasing competition and regulatory restriction environment, it is critical for Ag-Chemical companies to have a sustained effort to explore and leverage novel and innovative technologies for more effective and efficient formulation and delivery systems. In recent years, nano-technology has been a particularly active area, and has shown the potential in enhancing bio-efficacy, bio-availability, and better penetration or uptake, especially for poorly soluble active ingredients. Our cellular uptake study demonstrated the penetration, uptake, and mobility of NPs in model cell systems. The subsequent hydroponic delivery study proved that NPs can transport through root and move upward through xylem. Several types of pesticide active ingredients were incorporated into nano-capsules. When compared to conventional micron-sized formulations, the nano-capsule formulations demonstrated significantly higher levels of activity. These studies indicate the potential for improving the effectiveness of agricultural active ingredients using nano-sized particles, including functionalized nano-capsules.

Nanotechnology in agri-food production: an overview

“…In recent years, the food industry has made great progress in areas such as the improvement of new packaging products, the development of new functional products, transport and controlled release of bioactive substances, detecting of pathogens by using nanosensors and indicators, and purification of water through the use of nanoparticles 29,30. The potential for improving the effectiveness of agricultural active ingredients using nanosized particles, including functionalized nanocapsules, has been reported 31. Agricultural applications also include i) nanotechnology-enabled delivery of agriculture chemicals, ii) field-sensing systems to monitor the environmental stresses and crop conditions, and iii) improvement of plant traits against environmental stress and diseases 32–37…”

“… 29 , 30 The potential for improving the effectiveness of agricultural active ingredients using nanosized particles, including functionalized nanocapsules, has been reported. 31 Agricultural applications also include i) nanotechnology-enabled delivery of agriculture chemicals, ii) field-sensing systems to monitor the environmental stresses and crop conditions, and iii) improvement of plant traits against environmental stress and diseases. 32 – 37…”

Phyto‐fabrication, purification, characterisation, optimisation, and biological competence of nano‐silver

“…They function as active biosensors to detect pests/pathogens, monitor packaged products, and standardise the release of reactive substances [ 215 , 216 ]. Biogenic AgNPs capsules are used as positive genetic carriers to transport agricultural ingredients to produce novel stress‐ and disease‐resistant crops plus sensing favourable field environment for excessive crop production (Figure 6 ) [ 217 , 218 ]. These particles are also being used as antimicrobial as well as ethylene inhibitors in agriculture industry to increase their post‐harvest quality [ 219 ].…”