Plant-Growth Synchronized, Acid Phosphatase-Responsive Lignin-Based Controlled Release Phosphorus Nanofertilizers

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Nanoparticle-based agrochemical formulations offer enhanced delivery and controlled release.
• Lignin is a sustainable biopolymer with potential for developing novel nanomaterials.
• Plant phosphate starvation upregulates acid phosphatase, indicating a specific biological trigger.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize tripolyphosphate (TPP)-cross-linked lignin-based nanofertilizers.
• To investigate the enzyme-triggered release of phosphorus from these nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the efficacy of lignin-TPP nanofertilizers as a phosphorus source for plants.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of tripolyphosphate (TPP)-cross-linked lignin-based nanoparticles.
• Enzymatic assays using acid phosphatase to monitor phosphorus release and nanoparticle disintegration.
• Plant growth experiments using *Arabidopsis thaliana* to assess phosphorus uptake and plant response to nutrient deficiency.

Main Results:

• Lignin-TPP nanoparticles successfully released phosphorus in response to acid phosphatase.
• Phosphorus release was dependent on enzymatic activity and led to nanoparticle disintegration.
• *Arabidopsis thaliana* demonstrated efficient phosphorus uptake from the nanoparticles, mitigating deficiency symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Tripolyphosphate (TPP)-cross-linked lignin-based nanoparticles serve as an effective, on-demand phosphorus delivery system.
• These nanofertilizers respond to plant physiological cues (acid phosphatase), enabling synchronized nutrient release.
• This technology represents a significant advancement towards smart nanofertilizers for sustainable agriculture.