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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology
Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
ISSN: 1735-1472 EISSN: 1735-1472
Vol. 11, No. 6, 2014, pp. 1691-1700
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Bioline Code: st14165
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Environment Science and Technology, Vol. 11, No. 6, 2014, pp. 1691-1700
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Poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules carrying the herbicide atrazine: effect of chitosan-coating agent on physico-chemical stability and herbicide release profile
Grillo, R.; Rosa, A.H. & Fraceto, L.F.
Abstract
Polymeric nanoparticles can be used as carrier
systems for a variety of bioactive compounds, altering the
physico-chemical properties of the substances that are
incorporated in the particle matrix. Coating techniques are
employed to modify the interactions of the particles with
the target medium. The objective of this work was to
prepare nanocapsules of poly(ε-caprolactone) containing
the herbicide atrazine and study the effect of coating the
nanocapsule surfaces using different concentrations of
chitosan. The encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics
profile, and physico-chemical stability of the formulations
were evaluated. Encapsulation percentages of 64–84 %
were achieved. The release kinetics profile of the herbicide
was altered when the nanocapsules were coated, and the
release mechanism could be described by a combination of
diffusion and relaxation of the polymeric chains. The stability
of the formulations was influenced by the concentration
of chitosan used in the preparation procedure. Given
the global application of herbicides in agriculture, the
results indicate that their association with coated modified
release carrier systems could be beneficial from both ecological
and economic perspectives. These systems offer
delivery that is more efficient, as well as improved adhesion
of herbicides to the target plants.
Keywords
Environmental chemistry; Atrazine; Coated polymeric nanoparticles; Chitosan
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