Hydrogels Containing Botanical Repellents Encapsulated in Zein Nanoparticles for Crop Protection

Author(s):Show less -

de Oliveira, Jhones L. ^[1] ; Campos, Estefania V. R. ^[2] ; Camara, Marcela Candido ^[1] ; Della Vechia, Jaqueline Franciosi ^[3] ; Soares de Matos, Sidneia Terezinha ^[3] ; de Andrade, Daniel Junior ^[3] ; Goncalves, Kelly Cristina ^[3] ; do Nascimento, Joacir ^[3] ; Polanczyk, Ricardo Antonio ^[3] ; de Araujo, Daniele Ribeiro ^[2] ; Fraceto, Leonardo Fernandes ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Sci & Technol, Ave Tres Marco 511, BR-18087180 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ ABC, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ, Fac Agron & Vet Sci, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS; v. 3, n. 1, p. 207-217, JAN 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Essential oils and their derivatives are ecofriendly biopesticides that can contribute to reducing the use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural pest control, offering advantages including less harm to humans and the environment. This work concerns hydrogel-based repellent systems containing botanical compounds that were emulsified or encapsulated in zein nanoparticles. The hydrogels were prepared according to a two-step process involving molding and cross-linking. They presented good rheological properties, even at elevated temperature (40 degrees C), a swelling degree of similar to 30 +/- 1.2%, and were able to modulate the release of active compounds. The hydrogels containing botanical compounds presented high repellency (>80%) against two important agricultural pests: whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). These repellent systems are promising for use in sustainable agriculture, since they are based on the use of natural substances for both the matrices and the active agents. It is noteworthy that the systems can be used without direct contact with plants, which minimizes any problems related to phytotoxicity. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/20286-9 - Development of modified release systems based on zein and chitosan for botanical repellents aiming the control of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in different cultures
• Grantee: Jhones Luiz de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/21004-5 - Agriculture, micro/nanotechnology and environment: from evaluation of the mechanisms of action to studies of transport and toxicity
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants