Micronutrient-controlled-release protein-based systems for horticulture: Micro vs. nanoparticles

Fertilization is an increasingly common practice in horticulture. Nevertheless, the conventionally used fertilization method is ineffective, and it generates contamination problems due to excess nutrients. Therefore, new technologies, such as nanofertilization or controlled-release systems of fertil...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Jiménez-Rosado, Mercedes, Pérez-Puyana, Víctor Manuel, Guerrero Conejo, Antonio Francisco, Romero García, Alberto
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2022
Country:España
Institution:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repository:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/140588
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/140588
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115128
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Micronutrients
Controlled release
Protein-based materials
Horticulture
Nanoparticles
Description
Summary:Fertilization is an increasingly common practice in horticulture. Nevertheless, the conventionally used fertilization method is ineffective, and it generates contamination problems due to excess nutrients. Therefore, new technologies, such as nanofertilization or controlled-release systems of fertilizers, are currently being tested. Thus, the main objective of this work was to develop controlled-release systems for micronutrients, using soy protein as raw material. Different micronutrients (zinc, copper, iron, and manganese) were evaluated, as well as their incorporation in the form of micro and nanoparticles. The mechanical and functional properties (water uptake capacity, biodegradability, and micronutrient release) of the systems, as well as their use in crops, were studied to assess their viability. The results showed the great potential of these systems to incorporate micronutrients into crops, especially when combined with nanotechnology, improving the benefits of conventional fertilization. Download : Download high-res image (146KB) Download : Download full-size image