Characterization of Atrazine-Loaded Biodegradable Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Hydroxyvalerate) Microspheres

Author(s)

Grillo, Renato ^{[1, 2]} ; de Melo, Nathalie F. S. ^{[1, 2]} ; de Lima, Renata ^[3] ; Lourenco, Roberto Wagner ^[2] ; Rosa, Andre Henrique ^[2] ; Fraceto, Leonardo Fernandes ^{[1, 2]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Bioquim, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Engn Ambiental, BR-18087180 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sorocaba, Dept Biotecnol, Sorocaba, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; v. 18, n. 1, p. 26-32, MAR 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 31

Abstract

Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate microspheres (PHBV-MS) were prepared as a delivery system for the herbicide atrazine (ATZ). Characterization of the system included investigation of in vitro release properties and genotoxicity. ATZ - PHBV-MS particle diameters showed a size distribution range of 1-13 mu m. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that ATZ was associated with the PHBV microparticles. The release profiles showed a different release behavior for the pure herbicide in solution, as compared with that containing ATZ-loaded PHBV-MS. Korsmeyer-Peppas model analyses showed that atrazine release from the microparticles occurred by a combination of diffusion through the matrix and partial diffusion through water-filled pores of the PHBV microparticles. A Lactuca sativa test result showed that the genotoxicity of ATZ-loaded PHBV-MP was decreased in relation to ATZ alone. The results demonstrate a viable biodegradable herbicide release system using atrazine for agrochemical purposes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/01222-9 - Preparation and characterization of alginate nanoparticle with bupivacaine
• Grantee: Renato Grillo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation