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Preparation and Characterization of Pendimethalin Microcapsules Based on Microfluidic Technology.
1Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Products, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, P. R. China.
ACS Omega
|December 20, 2021
Summary
Microencapsulation of pendimethalin pesticides using microfluidic technology offers reduced environmental impact and enhanced efficacy. These novel microcapsules demonstrate superior weed control and sustained release properties for agricultural applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Pesticide microencapsulation aims to mitigate environmental pollution and protect active ingredients.
- Traditional methods face challenges in controlling microcapsule properties and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare pendimethalin microcapsules using microfluidic technology.
- To investigate the influence of process parameters on microcapsule characteristics and performance.
- To evaluate the herbicidal activity of the developed microcapsules.
Main Methods:
- Interfacial polymerization of 4,4-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and ethylenediamine (EDA) within a microfluidic device.
- Systematic variation of microchannel structure, reaction temperature, surfactant type, and fluid flow rates.
- Characterization of microcapsule properties including size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and thermal stability.
- Assessment of pendimethalin release kinetics and in vivo herbicidal activity.
Main Results:
- Optimized conditions yielded pendimethalin microcapsules with smooth surfaces, good monodispersity, 96.7% encapsulation efficiency, and excellent thermal stability.
- Microcapsule size and morphology were tunable by adjusting flow rates of the continuous phase and EDA solution.
- Sustained release of pendimethalin was observed, correlated with microcapsule morphology.
- Pendimethalin microcapsules demonstrated superior herbicidal activity compared to emulsifiable concentrate formulations.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technology enables the successful preparation of tunable pendimethalin microcapsules.
- These microcapsules offer enhanced stability, controlled release, and improved herbicidal efficacy.
- The developed microencapsulation technique shows significant potential for sustainable agricultural applications.
