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Controlled release of trifluralin herbicide using luminescent Vibrio-derived polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) microcapsules
Arefe N Ahmadi1, Ali Ganjeali1, Mohammad Hassan Rashed Mohassel2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|December 18, 2024
Summary
This study introduces eco-friendly polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) microcapsules for controlled herbicide release. These biodegradable microcapsules offer a safer alternative, reducing environmental impact and soil toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Environmental Science
- Polymer Science and Engineering
- Agricultural Chemistry
Background:
- Environmental pollution from conventional herbicides necessitates safer controlled-release systems.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable biopolymers with potential for encapsulation applications.
- Developing sustainable materials for agrochemical delivery is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from a luminescent Vibrio sp. VLC strain.
- To develop and evaluate PHA-based microcapsules for the controlled release of the herbicide trifluralin.
- To assess the efficacy and environmental impact of encapsulated herbicides compared to free formulations.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of bacterial culture medium for PHA production, achieving approximately 25% yield.
- Characterization of synthesized PHA using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR).
- Fabrication of microcapsules via emulsion method, with characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM); determination of herbicide loading and encapsulation efficiency.
Main Results:
- Spherical PHA microcapsules (0.5-2 μm diameter) were successfully produced with 16.64% herbicide loading and 66.56% encapsulation efficiency.
- Trifluralin-loaded microcapsules significantly reduced growth parameters in Amaranthus retroflexus and Setaria viridis.
- Encapsulated herbicide exhibited a less negative impact on soil microbial populations compared to the free herbicide.
Conclusions:
- Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) derived from luminescent Vibrio sp. is a viable, eco-friendly material for herbicide encapsulation.
- PHA microcapsules enable controlled herbicide release, enhancing efficacy and reducing off-target environmental effects.
- This biodegradable and nontoxic system presents a promising sustainable solution for agricultural applications.
