Sustained release formulations using cellulose ester-stabilized pickering emulsions for weed control
Innovative Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose ester nanoparticles offer a sustainable solution for weed control by providing sustained release of hydrophobic herbicides, enhancing efficacy and reducing application frequency.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages cellulose ester nanoparticles to stabilize Pickering emulsions, creating a sustainable platform for the sustained release of hydrophobic herbicides. By encapsulating these herbicides within oil droplets, the emulsions maintain their efficacy over extended periods, minimizing the need for repeated applications. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of weed control but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals by using biodegradable materials.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes cellulose ester nanoparticles as Pickering stabilizers for oil-in-water emulsions.
- Enables encapsulation and sustained release of hydrophobic weed control actives.
- Biodegradable cellulose esters like cellulose acetate are approved under regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated efficacy with model pesticide actives such as abamectin.
Future validation plans:
- Testing different oil types and cellulose acetate loading levels to optimize release rates.
- Evaluating release rates under varying pH levels and environmental conditions.
- Long-term studies on degradation and sustained release in soil environments.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, this technology has been validated in lab settings, demonstrating its potential for sustained release of herbicides. Future studies will focus on optimizing release parameters and environmental testing to progress towards higher TRL levels.
About North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Raleigh. Its on‑campus research and technology park co‑locates corporate R&D groups, government partners, and faculty labs, enabling shared facilities, prototyping, and agile contracting. Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, partners tap a dense regional ecosystem while engaging through a statewide extension network and a mature co‑op program that deliver field deployment and workforce pipelines. Multiple pilot and demonstration facilities support scale‑up and validation toward pre‑commercial readiness. Research is supported by competitive funding from major federal agencies, including NSF, USDA, DOE, and DOD, and a dedicated technology transfer office with clear IP pathways helps accelerate commercialization.
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