Eco-Friendly Chitosan Nanoparticles Cross Linked with Genipin: Basis to Develop Control Release Nanofertilizer
Published: 2017
Author(s) Name: J. G. Shantha Siri, C. A. N. Fernando, N. De Silva |
Author(s) Affiliation: Dept of Electronics, Faculty of Applied Sc, Wayamba Univ. of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
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Abstract
Synthesis of nanoparticles has become a matter of great interest in recent years due to their so many functional properties and applications in a variety of fields. Nano-particle mediated control release fertilizer is one of the applications which has potential to enhance plant growth and yield while minimizing serious environmental impacts due to excessive use of conventional bulk fertilizers. Nevertheless, many of the research work carried out in relation to synthesis of nanoparticles have used synthetic constituents which are being considered as harmful to the human health and environment. Investigations have also indicated that certain engineered nanomaterials can lead to unforeseen environmental, health and safety risks. The aim of the present study was to produce biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles in an eco-friendly manner originated from locally available raw materials and natural excipients addressing the said risks which will ultimately lead to development of eco-friendly nanofertilizers to release nutrients gradually in a controlled manner. Chitosan, a natural biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was synthesized from chitin which was extracted from exoskeleton of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Linn). A natural cross linker, Genipin was extracted from tender fruit of Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Linn). Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized using Genipin (Fig. 1) as the cross linking agent with ionotropic gelation method. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis confirmed structure of the synthesized chitosan. Average size of the synthesized chitosan nanoparticles is 90 nm (Fig. 2) which can be tuned by controlling the pH, dose of the cross linker and chitosan concentration. Innovative and promising results of this study will pave pathway to achieve green nanopartciles.
Keywords: Biocompatible, Biodegradable, Chitosan, Cross linking, Genipin, Ionotropic gelation, Natural polymer.
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