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Novel Brassinosteroid-Modified Polyethylene Glycol Micelles for Controlled Release of Agrochemicals

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DOI

  • Javier Pérez Quiñones, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, Johannes Kepler University of Linz
  • ,
  • Oliver Brüggemann, Johannes Kepler University of Linz
  • ,
  • Jørgen Kjems
  • Mohammad Hassan Shahavi, Faculty of Engineering Modern Technologies, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies (AUSMT)
  • ,
  • Carlos Peniche Covas, University of Havana

Two synthetic analogues of brassinosteroids (DI31 and S7) exhibit good plant growth enhancer activity. However, their hydrophobicity and quick metabolism in plants have limited their application and benefits in agriculture. Our objective was to prepare novel brassinosteroid-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) micelles to achieve controlled release with extended stability while retaining agrochemical activity. Spectroscopic studies confirmed quantitative disubstitution of studied PEGs with the brassinosteroids, while elemental analysis assessed purity of the synthesized conjugates. Conjugates were also characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Dynamic and static light scattering showed stable and homogeneous approximately spherical micelles with average hydrodynamic diameters of 22-120 nm and almost neutral ζ potential. Spherical 30-140 nm micelles were observed by electron microscopy. Sustained in vitro releases at pH 5.5 were extended up to 96 h. Prepared PEG micelles showed good agrochemical activity in the radish seed bioassay and no cytotoxicity to the human microvascular endothelial cell line in the MTS test.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Volume66
Issue7
Pages (from-to)1612-1619
Number of pages8
ISSN0021-8561
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Jan 2018

    Research areas

  • agrochemicals, brassinosteroids, controlled release, PEG micelles

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