Poly(methylene-co-cyanoguanidine) as an Eco-friendly Nitrogen Fertilizer with Prolonged Activity

Abstract

Poly(methylene-co-cyanoguanidine), PMCG, is an oligomeric polycation that has found its application in the waste-water treatment as well as in preparation of polyelectrolyte complex microcapsules for biomedical purposes. Considering the nitrogen-rich composition of repeating unit, PMCG may be a valuable polycation utilized as a novel slow-release fertilizer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of PMCG as a nitrogen fertilizer during its 6-month incubation in the soil. Monocotyledonous oat (Avena sativa) and dicotyledonous radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were selected as representative model plants for plant growth test. The effect of PMCG on plant growth and development was dependent on both the PMCG concentration and time of incubation. An increase in the nitrogen amount in green parts of plants demonstrated the uptake of the plant-available form of nitrogen released from PMCG incubated in the soil. This resulted in an increased percentage of fresh matter and shoot height of the tested plants during their exposure to PMCG. Ecotoxicological impact of PMCG in the soil during incubation period against bacteria Allivibrio fischeri and crustacean Heterocypris incongruens was also assessed. PMCG was found as the potential polymer fertilizer that does not require special treatment and can be used as it is for the prolonged release of nitrogen in agriculture.

Degradation of Polylactic Acid/Polypropylene Carbonate Films in Soil and Phosphate Buffer and Their Potential Usefulness in Agriculture and Agrochemistry

“…However, it is worth noting that branched polyethyleneimines adversely affect higher plants. Another material that can be used as a source of nitrogen in the soil is poly(methylene-co-cyanoguanidine) [ 68 ]. It did not have a harmful effect on the tested plants at low concentrations; however, at higher concentrations (2000 mg/kg of dry soil mass), the amount of nitrogen inhibited the development of oats and radishes.…”

Polyelectrolytes for Environmental, Agricultural, and Medical Applications

“…For instance, Rychter et al evaluated the capacity of poly(methylene-co-cyanoguanidine) (PMCG) as a nitrogen fertilizer against two plant types: monocotyledonous oats (Avena sativa) and dicotyledonous radish (Raphanus sativus L.), which were incubated for 6 months [9]. They determined that PMCG released nitrogen-based degradation products, promoting the growth and development of the green parts of both plants.…”

“…Generally, in environmental research, they have been utilized for the removal of contaminants such as antibiotics, metal ions, dyes, and other concerning pollutants [6,7]. Moreover, in agriculture, they serve as strategies for soil remediation or as fertilizers [8,9]. Particularly in the medical field, they play a crucial role in the development of new approaches in life sciences, necessitating new tools to address the challenges in less invasive, more cost-effective medical practices with high efficiency.…”

Biodegradable Polymers and Polymer Composites with Antibacterial Properties

“…Cationic groups are those that facilitate the adsorption of antimicrobial cationic polymers to the surface of microbial membranes. Ammonium groups (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), iminium (pyridinium, imidazolium, guanidinium salts), sulfonium, and phosphonium ions are one of the most representative cationic centers [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”