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Published on: September 6, 2012
Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Based Microparticles for Enhanced Photostability and Controlled Release of Pyraclostrobin
Mi-Jin Kim1, Hansol Kim1,2, Min Chul Park3
1Department of Nanoscience and Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea.
Polymers
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate microparticles protect the fungicide pyraclostrobin from UV light degradation. This controlled release system enhances photostability and prolongs antifungal activity for sustainable agrochemical delivery.
Area of Science:
- Agrochemical Science
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation significantly degrades agrochemicals, reducing their effectiveness and increasing environmental impact.
- Biodegradable polymer-based delivery systems offer a solution to improve agrochemical stability and performance.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are promising biodegradable polymers for controlled agrochemical release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based microparticles (MPs) for encapsulating the photolabile fungicide pyraclostrobin (PYR).
- To evaluate the photostability, release kinetics, and antifungal efficacy of PYR-loaded PHA MPs.
- To assess the potential of PHA microencapsulation as a sustainable strategy for enhancing agrochemical delivery.
Main Methods:
- Pyraclostrobin (PYR) was encapsulated into PHA microparticles using an emulsion-solvent evaporation method.
- Characterization included physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release studies.
- Photostability under UV irradiation and antifungal activity against Aspergillus oryzae were evaluated.
Main Results:
- PHA MPs demonstrated uniform size distribution and high encapsulation efficiency for PYR.
- The PHA matrix effectively suppressed UV-induced photodegradation, enhancing PYR photostability.
- Sustained PYR release was observed, leading to prolonged antifungal activity against Aspergillus oryzae.
Conclusions:
- PHA-based microencapsulation is an effective strategy to improve the photostability and efficacy of photolabile agrochemicals.
- The developed system offers a versatile and sustainable platform for advanced pesticide delivery.
- Controlled release from PHA MPs enhances field performance and reduces the environmental burden of agrochemicals.
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