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Lignin-Based Pesticide Delivery System
Renate Weiss1, Elisa Ghitti1, Marion Sumetzberger-Hasinger1
1Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria.
ACS Omega
|March 10, 2020
Summary
This study developed a biodegradable pesticide carrier from pulp and paper byproducts. Lignosulfonate granules were optimized and loaded with the herbicide Dicamba, showing potential for sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and biomaterials science
- Sustainable chemistry and green engineering
- Agricultural science and pest management
Background:
- Lignosulfonates, byproducts of the pulp and paper industry, are underutilized resources.
- Developing biodegradable carriers for pesticides is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
- Enzymatic cross-linking offers a green approach for material synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lignosulfonates as a biodegradable pesticide carrier system.
- To optimize lignosulfonate granule production using enzymatic cross-linking.
- To evaluate the controlled release of the herbicide Dicamba from the developed carrier.
Main Methods:
- Application of Design of Experiments (DOE) software (MODDE Pro) for process optimization.
- Enzymatic cross-linking of lignosulfonates using *Myceliophthora thermophila* laccase.
- Monitoring of enzymatic cross-linking via size exclusion chromatography, multiangle laser light scattering, viscosity, and enzyme activity.
- Loading granules with Dicamba and assessing its release kinetics using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
Main Results:
- Optimal incubation conditions for granule production determined as 33 °C, 30 cm³/min O₂ supply, and 190 min reaction time.
- Successful synthesis of 100% lignosulfonate-based biodegradable granules.
- Complete release of loaded Dicamba herbicide from the granules within 48 hours.
- Demonstrated feasibility of green production of a novel agricultural material.
Conclusions:
- Lignosulfonates can be effectively utilized to produce biodegradable pesticide carriers.
- Enzymatic cross-linking provides an efficient and green method for carrier synthesis.
- The developed lignosulfonate carrier system shows promise for controlled herbicide delivery in agriculture.
