A Natural Triterpene Saponin-Based Pickering Emulsion

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Chemical surfactants in pesticides pose environmental risks.
• Developing sustainable and eco-friendly pesticide formulations is crucial for agriculture.
• Natural biosurfactants offer a promising alternative to synthetic emulsifiers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biocompatible and ultrastable pesticide formulation using a natural biosurfactant.
• To investigate the self-assembly behavior of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in forming Pickering emulsions.
• To evaluate the potential of the GA-based formulation for enhanced pesticide delivery.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1% natural glycyrrhizic acid (GA) to emulsify and stabilize 80% agricultural oils.
• Observed self-assembly of amphiphilic GA molecules into nanofibers, forming Pickering emulsions.
• Investigated the transformation into gel-like Pickering emulsions via a 3D nanofiber network.
• Tested the formulation with carbosulfan as the oil phase for pesticide application.

Main Results:

• Developed a stable, gel-like Pickering emulsion using only 1% GA.
• GA self-assembled into nanofibers, creating fine droplets and a robust 3D network.
• The formulation demonstrated ultrastability, thixotropy, and broad pH resistance.
• Achieved 60% carbosulfan loading, exceeding current commercial formulations.

Conclusions:

• Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is an effective natural biosurfactant for creating stable, eco-friendly pesticide formulations.
• The developed gel-like Pickering emulsions offer superior stability and loading capacity.
• This research provides a sustainable pathway for pesticide formulation in ecological agriculture.