Preparation and performance of chlorfenapyr microcapsules with a degradable polylactide-based polyurethane wall...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Polymer Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chlorfenapyr utilization can be improved through advanced formulation techniques.
• Developing easily degradable microcapsule wall materials is crucial for environmental sustainability in pesticide applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize chlorfenapyr microcapsules with easily degradable polylactide-based walls.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, release kinetics, and degradation of the novel microcapsule formulation.

Main Methods:

• Interfacial polymerization using polylactide diol, toluene diisocyanate, and 1,4-butanediol.
• Characterization via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
• Assessment of encapsulation efficiency, wetting/spreading abilities, and degradation in phosphate-buffered solution.

Main Results:

• Spherical microcapsules were successfully prepared with an 84.20% encapsulation efficiency.
• The formulation exhibited good wetting and spreading on cabbage leaves, with a significant slow-release effect.
• Release kinetics followed Fickian diffusion, controllable by pH, and the wall material demonstrated good biodegradability.

Conclusions:

• The developed chlorfenapyr microcapsule suspension offers improved utilization and extended validity periods.
• The biodegradable nature of the wall material addresses environmental concerns associated with pesticide persistence.
• This formulation represents a sustainable advancement in pesticide delivery systems.