Sign in Subscribe
Environmental sustainability

Sustainable Herbicide Delivery: Lignin-Based Nanoencapsulation for Reduced Environmental Risks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research out of Iran has made significant strides in the development of environmentally friendly and controlled release herbicide formulations using lignin-based nanoencapsulation. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have successfully synthesized biodegradable lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) to encapsulate 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), reducing the risks associated with conventional synthetic adjuvants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team, led by Somayeh Ghaffari Ganzagh from the University of Zanjan, developed biodegradable lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) as environmentally friendly and controlled release carriers of 2,4-D and MCPA.
  • The LNPs were synthesized via solvent-free nanoprecipitation, achieving high entrapment efficiencies of 90.7% (2,4-D) and 97.4% (MCPA), confirmed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.
  • In vitro release studies revealed sustained herbicide release in buffer solutions (pH 5.5-7.5) over a 72-hour period, with 68-74% release, compared to rapid release from commercial formulations.
  • Bioactivity assays of Descurainia sophia showed that LNP-encapsulated formulations of herbicides reduced weed dry weight by 62.31% and density by 56.09% compared to untreated controls.
  • Field trials validated these results, with LNP-encapsulated 2,4-D + MCPA reducing Amaranthus blitoides dry weight by 91.10% and density by 65.09%, and Chenopodium album dry weight and density by 96.01% and by 66.75%, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 2,4-D and MCPA entrapment efficiencies in LNPs: 90.7% and 97.4%, respectively.
  • In vitro release of herbicides: 68-74% over 72 hours.
  • Weed control efficacy in bioactivity assays: 62.31% and 56.09% for Descurainia sophia.
  • Weed control efficacy in field trials: 91.10% and 96.01% for Amaranthus blitoides and Chenopodium album, respectively.

Sources:

  • Lignin-based nanoencapsulation for sustainable herbicide delivery: controlled release and bioactivity of 2,4-D and MCPA compared to commercial formulations. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):24532.
  • University of Zanjan Reports Findings in Sustainability Research (Lignin-based nanoencapsulation for sustainable herbicide delivery: controlled release and bioactivity of 2,4-D and MCPA compared to commercial formulations). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 25, 2025; p 801.

Read more