Electrospun Polymer Materials with Fungicidal Activity: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Agricultural Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrokinetic methods like electrospinning are gaining interest for creating micro/nanofibrous materials.
• These materials offer high surface area, porosity, and customizable designs for various applications.
• Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers can be utilized, posing no environmental harm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in electrospun fungicidal dressings.
• To explore the potential of these nanotechnologies in modern agriculture for plant protection.

Main Methods:

• Polymer melt or solution electrospinning, electrospraying, centrifugal electrospinning, and coaxial electrospinning are key techniques.
• Incorporation of low-molecular substances with biological activity (e.g., antimicrobial, antifungal) is feasible.
• Embedding biocontrol agents to suppress plant pathogens within fibrous materials.

Main Results:

• Electrospinning enables the creation of fibrous materials with desirable properties like high specific surface area and porosity.
• Synthetic and natural polymers can be processed into eco-friendly, biodegradable fibrous materials.
• Successful incorporation of biologically active substances and biocontrol agents into the fibrous matrix.

Conclusions:

• Electrospun fibrous materials represent a promising new direction for developing effective plant protection products.
• These nanotechnologies offer a sustainable and advanced approach to modern agriculture.
• Further development of electrospun fungicidal dressings holds significant potential for crop protection.