Abstract
Stereocomplexed nano- and microparticles composed of a mixture of enantiomeric polylactides (PDLA and PLLA) are often used in biomedical applications. Here, we propose their additional application as a microcarrier for enhancing agricultural production for the first time. For this purpose, the synthesis of enantiomeric polylactides was performed in bulk by employing the ring-opening polymerization method, and the prepared macromolecules were subsequently used for the gram-scale preparation of quercetin-loaded stereocomplexed microparticles by spontaneous precipitation in an organic solvent. This facile approach leads to particles with porous structures and sizes ranging from 2 to 6 μm. Subsequently, the cumulative release of quercetin (Q) was compared in water and sodium chloride solution. Finally, the plant fertilization activity of the obtained Q-loaded microparticles was tested in Pisum sativum L. (green peas). Our strategy provides a novel route for the enhancement of plant growth by biocompatible and biodegradable carriers loaded with flavonoids.
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Acknowledgements
The measurements of adsorption–desorption properties of obtained microparticles have been done on the apparatus ASAP 2020 Plus (Micrometrics) purchased under the Regional Operational Program for the Lodz Region, RPLD.01.01.00-10-0008/18. Purchase of the Avance Neo 400 NMR spectrometer, used to obtain results included in this publication, was supported by the founds from the EU Regional Operational Program of the Lodz Region, RPLD.01.01.00-10-0008/18.
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AK: The plant fertilization experiments, conceptualization, methodology, writing, reviewing and editing; KC: Polymer synthesis; BK: Conceptualization, MPs characterization, polymer synthesis, writing; IBK: Material characterization, writing; MB: Conceptualization, methodology, MPs preparation, writing, reviewing and editing.
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Kobylińska, A., Kost, B., Cichoń, K. et al. Stereocomplexed Microparticles as Quercetin Carriers for Improving Plant Growth During Salinity Stress. J Polym Environ 31, 1209–1220 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-022-02678-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-022-02678-w