The efficacy of agricultural chemicals such as insecticides and fungicides depends on uptake into the target pest or plant. Penetration and uptake through the epidermis are often the limiting step. Nano-technology can offer a broadly applicable delivery system, with designed surface functionality, to deliver active ingredients more efficiently/effectively than conventional delivery systems. Nanoparticles with encapsulated active ingredients were prepared using miniemulsion polymerization. Functional nanoparticles with different sizes, surface charge signs and densities, and surface functionality for bio-conjugation, were synthesized. Our cellular uptake study demonstrated the penetration, uptake, and mobility of nanoparticles in model cell systems.  The subsequent hydroponic delivery study demonstrated that several nano-encapsulated pesticides can transport through root and move upward through xylem. When compared to conventional micron-sized formulations, certain nano-capsule formulations demonstrated higher levels of activity.

Nanodelivery for agricultural chemicals

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.