The brief is the first to focus exclusively on environmentally friendly delivery of pesticides (controlled-release nanoparticulate formulation of pesticides using biodegradable polymers as carriers). The brief also introduces pesticides like Chlorpyrifos and biodegradable polymers like guar-gum. The brief will be extremely useful to the researchers in the field of agrochemicals and will be equally useful for advanced professionals in the field of biology, chemistry, environmental biology, entomology and horticulture.
Natural and biodegradable polymers have been the key area for utilizing their advantages which make them a possible option for development of various drug delivery systems. The complexity of diseases and the intrinsic drug toxicity and side effects has led to an interest for development and optimization of drug delivery systems. The advancements in nanotechnology have favored the development of novel formulations which can modulate the biopharmaceutical properties of bioactives and thus improves the pharmacological and therapeutic action. The shape, size, and charge nanoscale delivery system, such as nanoparticles (NPs) are required to be investigated and changed in order to promote and optimize the formulations. The various natural polymeric NPs (PNPs) have been found to be key tool to enhance bioavailability or specific delivery to certain site of action. In this chapter, the uses of various polymeric materials for the development of NPs as drug delivery systems for various ailments have been described. The entrapment of bioactive compounds in PNPs systems is a hopeful move toward improvement of efficacy of drug toward the treatments of various diseases.
This book presents an introduction to the concept and need of sustainable agriculture, the mechanisms of conventional and controlled release of pesticides, herbicides and plant hormones. It also contains the carriers which supply controlled release including polymers and nanoparticles. A full chapter is devoted to the theory and simulation aspects.
Nano-Biopesticides Today and Future Perspectives is the first single-volume resource to examine the practical development, implementation and implications of combining the environmentally aware use of biopesticides with the potential power of nanotechnology. While biopesticides have been utilized for years, researchers have only recently begun exploring delivery methods that utilize nanotechnology to increase efficacy while limiting the negative impacts traditionally seen through the use of pest control means. Written by a panel of global experts, the book provides a foundation on nano-biopesticide development paths, plant health and nutrition, formulation and means of delivery. Researchers in academic and commercial settings will value this foundational reference of insights within the biopesticide realm. Provides comprehensive insights, including relevant information on environmental impact and safety, technology development, implementation, and intellectual property Discusses the role of nanotechnology and its potential applications as a nanomaterial in crop protection for a cleaner and greener agriculture Presents a strategic, comprehensive and forward-looking approach
Gene therapy offers the hope to alleviate the diseases for which there is no permanent cure including genetic disorders, HIV, and cancer. The nucleic acids cannot transfect the cells by themselves as the degradation occurs before they reach the nucleus. Viral vectors initially showed the promise to deliver the nucleic acids inside the cells; however, due to toxicity associated with the viral vectors, emphasis has been given to develop non-viral vectors. Nanoparticles synthesized from the biodegradable polymers such as PLGA, PLA, Chitosan hold the promise as a safe and efficient vector for gene delivery. This research project aims to develop a biodegradable non-viral polymericnanoparticle vehicle for efficient delivery of gene. We investigated the possibility of developing novel PLGA nanoparticles for gene delivery. One of the most common methods for entrapping genetic materials in the PLGA nanoparticles is the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. We have investigated various parameters of this method to establish an optimum formulation with high entrapment efficiency, small particle size, and sustained release of DNA. We found that at least 2% PVA is needed to synthesize monodispersed particles with a size below 300nm. Moreover, sonication time also plays a vital role in particle size and polydispersity. The entrapment of DNA was found to be largely dependent on the nature of organic solvent used in the double emulsion, with more hydrophobic solvent such as chloroform being most efficient to entrap water soluble genes. The in vitro release was, however, slower with more hydrophobic solvents. Similar trend was found with the molecular weight of PLGA. When the molecular weight was higher, it resulted in more entrapment and slower release. Furthermore, cations, such as calcium, can significantly improve the entrapment of genes inside the PLGA nanoparticles. To improve the release profile of the PLGA nanoparticles, we further introduced chitosan to condense DNA inside the PLGA core. We hypothesized that reducing the amount of PLGA in the nanoparticles would improve the release profile and at the same time, chitosan would hinder the escape of DNA from the PLGA core. Usage of chitosan in such formulation would compensate for the DNA loss associated with the reduction of the amount of PLGA. In concordance with other studies, we observed that a DNA- to- chitosan ratio of 1:2 is required to achieve complete condensation. The in vitro release profile of these particles, however, indicated that the chitosan-DNA complex was not inside the PLGA nanoparticles. This has led us to introduce a cholesterol group to the chitosan to anchor the chitosan-DNA complex inside the PLGA nanoparticle. The Chitosan-Cholesterol-PLGA nanoparticles showed superior release profile than the PLGA nanoparticles while maintaining high entrapment efficiency. Moreover, in our preliminary in vitro transfection study, these particles were able to transfect HaCaT cells.
