Microfluidic encapsulation for controlled release and its potential for nanofertilisers
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Date
2021
Authors
Quang Le, Tu Nguyen
Tran, Nam Nghiep
Escribà i Gelonch, Marc
Serra, Christophe A.
Fisk, Ian
McClements, David Julian
Hessel, Volker
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Abstract
Nanotechnology is increasingly being utilized to create advanced materials with improved or new functional attributes. Converting fertilizers into a nanoparticle-form has been shown to improve their
efficacy but the current procedures used to fabricate nanofertilisers often have poor reproducibility and
flexibility. Microfluidic systems, on the other hand, have advantages over traditional nanoparticle
fabrication methods in terms of energy and materials consumption, versatility, and controllability. The
increased controllability can result in the formation of nanoparticles with precise and complex
morphologies (e.g., tuneable sizes, low polydispersity, and multi-core structures). As a result, their
functional performance can be tailored to specific applications. This paper reviews the principles,
formation, and applications of nano-enabled delivery systems fabricated using microfluidic approaches
for the encapsulation, protection, and release of fertilizers. Controlled release can be achieved using
two main routes: (i) nutrients adsorbed on nanosupports and (ii) nutrients encapsulated inside
nanostructures. We aim to highlight the opportunities for preparing a new generation of highly versatile
nanofertilisers using microfluidic systems. We will explore several main characteristics of microfluidically
prepared nanofertilisers, including droplet formation, shell fine-tuning, adsorbate fine-tuning, and
sustained/triggered release behavior.
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Chemical Society Reviews, 2021, vol. 50, p. 11979-12012