Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Carrier for Urea: Potential Applications in Agrochemical Delivery Systems
| Autor: | Zhiyong Tang, Yan Gao, Harrison Wanyika, P.N. Kioni, Erastus Gatebe |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2012 |
| Předmět: |
Materials science
Aqueous solution Inorganic chemistry Biomedical Engineering Nanoparticle Bioengineering General Chemistry Mesoporous silica Condensed Matter Physics Mesoporous organosilica chemistry.chemical_compound Adsorption Chemical engineering chemistry Physisorption Urea General Materials Science Mesoporous material |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 12:2221-2228 |
| ISSN: | 1533-4880 |
| DOI: | 10.1166/jnn.2012.5801 |
| Popis: | Nanotechnology-based agrochemical delivery systems would ensure efficient and economical utilization of these very important agricultural inputs. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles with particle diameters of -150 nm and pore sizes of -2.5 nm were synthesized via liquid crystal templating mechanism. Urea, as a model agrochemical molecule, was entrapped in the mesopores of the siliceous material by simple immersion loading using aqueous urea solutions. About 15.5% (w/w) of urea was loaded inside the pores mainly by physisorption while the total adsorption capacity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles could reach up to 80% (w/w). Highly concentrated urea solution was found to be more effective due to high driving concentration gradient generated. Release process of the urea-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles in water and soil indicated a two stage sustained slow release-profile. The findings for soil release studies revealed at least fivefold improvement in the release period. By the ability to entrap urea guest molecules into its mesopores and release them in a controlled manner, mesoporous silica nanoparticles demonstrated its great potential as a nanocarrier for agrochemicals. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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