Structure, Functionality, Compatibility with Pesticides and Beneficial Microbes, and Potential Applications of a New Delivery System Based on Ink-Jet Technology

Abstract

Accurate application of agrochemicals is an important way to achieve efficient use of chemicals and to combine limited pollution with effective control of weeds, pests, and diseases. In this context, we investigate the potential application of a new delivery system based on ink-jet technology. First, we describe the structure and functionality of ink-jet technology for agrochemical delivery. We then evaluate the compatibility of ink-jet technology with a range of pesticides (four herbicides, eight fungicides, and eight insecticides) and beneficial microbes, including fungi and bacteria. Finally, we investigated the feasibility of using ink-jet technology in a microgreens production system. The ink-jet technology was compatible with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and beneficial microbes that remained functional after passing through the system. In addition, ink-jet technology demonstrated higher area performance compared to standard nozzles under laboratory conditions. Finally, the application of ink-jet technology to microgreens, which are characterized by small plants, was successful and opened the possibility of full automation of the pesticide application system. The ink-jet system proved to be compatible with the main classes of agrochemicals and showed significant potential for application in protected cropping systems.

Study on the Printability of Starch-Based Films Using Ink-Jet Printing

“…Today, ink-jet printing technology is one of the simplest and most popular digital printing techniques, allowing printing on the scale of "short runs" [16]. In the ink-jet printing process, there is a controlled ejection of the liquid on the substrate in a very precise and controlled way [17]. The printing process is contactless, so there is no need for an intermediate carrier to transfer the ink to the substrate.…”