Abstract
Sustainable natural product-based microstructured systems and biopolymers are strong candidates for use in crop protection. Lignin and gelatin microcapsules loaded with orange essential oil were developed with spray-drying in order to enhance its potential. We evaluated the microparticle controlled release mechanisms, biological effects, structural and thermal properties. A quantitative method using headspace-gas chromatography was developed and evaluated for the controlled release of the essential oils. Controlled release studies showed a linear relationship between the biopolymer and essential oil concentrations when retaining volatile compounds. Thermal analyses demonstrated increases in essential oil stability when microencapsulated, especially for lignin as a biopolymer. These results showed that biopolymer type was the main factor influencing quality analysis parameters. Finally, microcapsules loaded with orange essential oil were applied in a bioassay, and showed gains in toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda compared to non-encapsulated oil.
Highlights
Driven by the growing demand to develop robust products with low environmental impact for crop protection, many studies[1,2] have sought the application potential of essential oils as formulation components in the development of eco-friendly pesticides
We found that an increase in the essential oil load resulted in a reduction of encapsulation efficiency due to an insufficient amount of biopolymer to form a robust wall around the orange essential oil (OEO) inside the aqueous dispersion containing the produced powder
Results presented in this study demonstrate that the controlled release of microcapsules loaded with orange essential oil powder and dispersed in an aqueous medium can be successfully evaluated using headspace-gas chromatography
Summary
Driven by the growing demand to develop robust products with low environmental impact for crop protection, many studies[1,2] have sought the application potential of essential oils as formulation components in the development of eco-friendly pesticides. Essential oils have been evaluated for their repellent and insecticide action and low toxicity against non-target organisms.[1,3] One essential oil which has drawn attention because of its major compound’s biological effects (terpene D-limonene) is orange essential oil (OEO). Despite its potential use in pest control, the number of commercial formulations based on essential oils is still low due to volatility, low aqueous solubility, and structural instability, which results in low persistence in nature and reduced action against target pests.[1,2,3] Microencapsulation is a technique that may enable the commercial use of essential oils by promoting a more significant residual effect on controlled release systems, as well as preventing their degradation and volatilization.[1]
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