Study of polyetheramine-tannic acid complexes as potential systems for foliar nutrition.

• Grant number: 24/16077-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Ferreira Molina
• Grantee: Vanessa Silveira de Alencar Silva
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/06552-1 - TASTYGEL- sustainable release of nutrients by smart micro- and nanogels based on polyetheramines-bisepoxide for agriculture purposes., AP.JP2

Abstract

The low utilization efficiency of conventional foliar formulations generally results in their excessive use, which can increase costs and toxicity, causing ecosystem destruction and food pollution. In this work, the use of polyetheramine-tannic acid complexes is proposed as a new foliar adhesive formulation aimed at increasing foliar retention time and potentially serving as a carrier for nutrients and/or pesticides in the future. In this regard, tannic acid, a natural molecule with bioadhesive properties, will be used to develop structured systems with polyetheramines that may present possible interactions such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Stock solutions of polyetheramine and tannic acid will be separately prepared by dissolving a specific mass of each material in ultrapure water, followed by pH adjustment to the desired values using HCl or NaOH solutions (1 M concentration). The complexation will be carried out by mixing stock solutions of tannic acid and polyetheramine at room temperature under previously indicated proportions of polyetheramine acid (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1). These polyetheramine-tannic acid complexes applied in agriculture are unprecedented in the literature, suggesting unique applications as new polymeric carriers for foliar treatment. The systems will be characterized using different physicochemical techniques, and the toxicity of the formulations will be evaluated in different crops (e.g., cucumber and soybean) with direct application on the leaves. This project may be beneficial for the development of new foliar adhesive nanocarriers for nutrients and pesticides, with longer retention time and bioavailability.