Synthesis and Characterization of Pectin Beads for the Smart Delivery of Agrochemicals

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to design pectin beads for achieving slow release of agrochemicals in wetlands via ion gelation method.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The laboratory experiment was carried out at the Department of Nano Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu during March-July 2021.
 Methodology: Pectin beads were synthesized varying the concentrations of pectin (4, 6, 8, and 10 per cent) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 per cent). Calcium pectinate beads of different combinations were synthesized via ion gelation method. Calcium pectinate beads were characterized based on the recovery yield of beads, while surface characterization was done through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope to understand the topography of beads and assess the size of the beads respectively. Pore volume and surface area were also studied using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analyzer.
 Results: The yield of calcium pectinate beads were higher while using the concentration of pectin @ 4 per cent and CaCl2 @ 2 per cent as cross-linking agent. The spherical and smooth surface of beads was achieved with the concentrations of 6 and 2 per cent pectin and CaCl2 respectively, while beads were flat and smooth with concentration of pectin @ 4 per cent. Similarly, complete solubility of pectin was not achieved with concentrations of 8 and 10 per cent. BET results of beads showed that beads are non-porous in nature.
 Conclusion: Pectin and CaCl2 concentrations @ 6 and 2 per cent respectively were found to be ideal for the delivery of agrochemical based on the yield and surface morphology.

Polymeric Systems for the Delivery of Herbicides to Improve Weed Control Efficiency

“…more stability at acidic and high-temperature conditions, gelation property, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and easily available at a cheaper cost [112]. Six percent pectin and two percent calcium chloride were found as optimum concentration for smart release of herbicides via ion gelation technique [113]. Metsulfuron-methyl loaded in pectin nanoparticles were found to be effective with higher herbicidal activity at a lower application rate as compared to the commercial herbicide [87].…”

Micro Encapsulation and Characterization of Diclosulam in Xanthan Gum Based Polymeric System for Smart Delivery of Herbicide in Crop Production

“…In addition, intermediate compounds from the degradation path of herbicides in soil contaminate the groundwater [3]. Diclosulam (2', 6'-dichloro-5-ethoxy7fluoro [1,2,4] triazolo [1,5c] pyrimidine2sulfonanilide) is a low volume herbicide belonging to sulfonanilide family. Diclosulam interfere with Aceto-Hydroxy Acid Synthase (AHAS), a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine in plants, thus affecting protein synthesis and cell division that leads to death of targeted weeds.…”

“…Encapsulation with natural polymers is the best strategy to improve weed control efficiency of herbicides and reduce herbicide adsorption in the soil. Microsphere encapsulation of agrochemicals in pectin based polymeric system was used for the smart release of herbicides [4]. Diverse properties of natural polymers were preferred for encapsulation of herbicides over synthetic materials due to non-toxicity in nature, abundance availability and the cost [5].…”