Fungicide-loaded and biodegradable xylan-based nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Conventional agrochemical delivery relies on fossil-based polymers, contributing to soil microplastic pollution.
• Biodegradable nano- and micro-formulations offer a sustainable alternative for controlled agrochemical release.
• Hemicellulose nanocarriers for plant-based applications have not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize the first hemicellulose-based nanocarriers for agrochemical delivery.
• To investigate the potential of xylan nanocarriers for fungicide delivery and plant protection.
• To assess the biodegradability and fungal enzyme-triggered release mechanism of the nanocarriers.

Main Methods:

• Xylan was extracted from corncobs and used to synthesize nanocarriers via interfacial polyaddition in an inverse miniemulsion with toluene diisocyanate (TDI).
• Fungicide-loaded nanocarriers were prepared and characterized.
• In vitro antifungal activity and mycelial growth stimulation assays were conducted to evaluate efficacy and biodegradability.

Main Results:

• The study successfully produced the first fungicide-loaded, crosslinked xylan-based nanocarriers.
• The aqueous dispersions of these nanocarriers demonstrated in vitro efficacy against pathogenic fungi relevant to agriculture and horticulture.
• Empty nanocarriers stimulated fungal mycelial growth, confirming xylan biodegradability by fungal enzymes and indicating a triggered release mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Crosslinked xylan nanocarriers represent a novel, biodegradable, and biobased platform for agrochemical delivery.
• These nanocarriers offer a sustainable alternative to conventional formulations, potentially reducing microplastic pollution.
• The findings highlight the significant role of xylan nanocarriers in advancing future plant protection strategies.