PLA/starch biodegradable fibers obtained by the electrospinning method for micronutrient mineral release

Abstract

<abstract> <p>Developments in nanofibers seek to increasingly expand the field of support and release of actives, such as fertilizers. Using nanofibers as materials for mineral nutrients aims to increase the efficiency of contact release of the fertilizer to the plant root in the soil. Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a polymer with biocompatibility characteristics and spinning conditions. The starch biopolymer combined with PLA can improve the biodegradation properties and hydrophilicity of the fibers and allow the solubilization of the fertilizer source for the plant. Thus, the present paper sought to find a polymeric matrix in the form of PLA/starch nanofibers that could act in the release of the mineral micronutrient manganese as a model asset. The electrospinning method was employed to obtain the fibers varying the starch concentration from 10 to 50% (w/w) in the polymeric matrix. The nanocomposite containing manganese carbonate as a source of Mn<sup>2+</sup> ions was produced from the best membrane composition. The results showed that the analyzed PLA/starch blends with 20% (w/w) provided better fiber affinity with water, which is fundamental for fiber degradation time. Regarding fertilizer release, the starch present in the PLA fiber at a concentration of 20% (m/m) promoted better control in the release of Mn<sup>2+</sup>. The total release occurred after 5 d in contact with the 2% citric acid extractive medium. Thus, PLA/starch fiber becomes an alternative in the packaging of particulate fertilizers, providing increased contact area during root application with gradual delivery of mineral nutrients and minimizing loss by leaching.</p> </abstract>

Wybrane zagadnienia z zakresu produkcji surowców, żywności i kosmetyków, t. 3

“…zwiększenia biodegradowalności PLA -ekstrakt z alg [Kalita i in. 2021], skrobia [Malafatti i in. 2023], lub zwiększenia wytrzymałości na rozciąganie -połączenie lnu i konopi [Sisodia i in.…”

Modified Silica Nanoparticles from Rice Husk Supported on Polylactic Acid as Adsorptive Membranes for Dye Removal

“…Among the different polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) has gained special attention attributed to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, and flexibility [ 51 , 52 ]. Therefore, PLA has been used in applications such as biomedical [ 53 ], active packaging [ 54 ], and remediation supports [ 14 , 55 ]. From this perspective, a system based on PLA:SiO 2 fibers shows desirable characteristics for a membrane to be applied in adsorption processes.…”