Work

Fabrication of Novel Bio-Composites Based on Rice Milk for the Delivery of Capsaicinoids as Green Herbicides against Cynodon dactylon Weed

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, rice milk-based beads were fabricated through gelation in a calcium chloride solution. Green extraction of chili pepper in water/ethanol was conducted in order to obtain powder extract (PE) rich in apigenin C-pentosyl-C-hexoside, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin. The effect of capsaicinoids loading on beads’ properties was evaluated in terms of morphological and physical properties. Swelling phenomena and diameter variation of beads were studied as a function of time proving correspondence with the PE amount. The effect of ionic strength on bead swelling was considered. Kinetic studies of PE release were conducted to investigate the release profiles, which were modeled through a modified Baker and Lonsdale model by considering the change in mean diameter over time. The effect of PE loading was then correlated to the growth of Cynodon dactylon weed through in vivo tests. The results corroborate the performances of the encapsulated PE to be used as natural and green herbicide release systems able to inhibit the growth and the proliferation of weeds.

Source: Crystals

DOI: 10.3390/cryst12081048

Authors: Gianluca Viscusi, Elena Lamberti, Giovanna Aquino, Manuela Rodriquez, Giuliana Gorrasi

Institution: University of Salerno

Language: English

Topic: Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,094