Improving agricultural practices: application of polymers in agriculture

Abstract

Agricultural industry has been the root of all growth in India and all over the globe, with practices that can be dated back thousands of years, hence there is a need to improve technology and improvise advanced methodologies. Currently one of the major sections in the agricultural industry uses chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides, among other agrochemicals to enhance the productivity of crops. These chemicals pose a risk to human health and the environment, by causing land, water, and air pollution. There is an imminent need for better alternatives to these agrochemicals. This review summarizes one such alternative, the Agro-polymers, specifically designed and employed for enhanced crop productivity. Their versatile nature and various applications are based on features like protective and preventive properties of certain antimicrobial, antifungal, molluscicidal, and herbicidal polymers, water absorbance and retention capabilities of superabsorbent polymers and hydrogels, and controlled delivery of agrochemicals and nutrients property of polymeric delivery systems. The paper discusses future research prospects, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency, stability, and safety of agro-polymer applications. It emphasizes the need for continued research to optimize the use of polymeric materials in agriculture and ensure their compatibility with global environmental requirements.

Keywords

Biocide / Polymers agrochemicals / Superabsorbent polymer / Polymeric delivery system

References

[1] Abdel-Raouf ME, El-Saeed SM, Zaki EG, Al-Sabagh AM. Green chemistry approach for preparation of hydrogels for agriculture applications through modification of natural polymers and investigating their swelling properties. Egypt J Pet, 2018, 27(4): 1345-1355

[2] Abdollahdokht D, Gao Y, Faramarz S, Poustforoosh A, Abbasi M, Asadikaram G, Nematollahi MH. Conventional agrochemicals towards nano-biopesticides: an overview on recent advances. Chem Biol Technol Agric, 2022, 9(1): 13

[3] Alarfaj AA, Lee HHC, Munusamy MA, Ling QD, Kumar S, Chang Y, Chen YM, Lin HR, Lu YT, Wu GJ, Higuchi A. Development of biomaterial surfaces with and without microbial nanosegments. J Polym Eng, 2016, 36(1): 1-12

[4] Alkan D, Yemenicioğlu A. Potential application of natural phenolic antimicrobials and edible film technology against bacterial plant pathogens. Food Hydrocolloids, 2016, 55: 1-10

[5] Alvarado R, Ortiz C, Jiménez N, Ochoa-Jiménez D, Tillaguango B. Ecological footprint, air quality and research and development: the role of agriculture and international trade. J Clean Prod, 2021, 288: 125589

[6] Assalin MR, dos Santos LDL, de Souza DRC, Rosa MA, Duarte RRM, Castanha RF, Donaire PPR, Durán N. Nanoformulation as a tool for improvement of thiamethoxam encapsulation and evaluation of ecotoxicological impacts. Energy Ecol Environ, 2019, 4(6): 310-317

[7] Ayatullah Hosne Asif AKM, Rahman M, Sarker P, Hasan MZ, Paul D. Hydrogel fibre: future material of interest for biomedical applications. J Text Sci Technol, 2019, 05(04): 92-107

[8] Badawy MEI, Rabea EI, Taktak NEM. Antimicrobial and inhibitory enzyme activity of N-(benzyl) and quaternary N-(benzyl) chitosan derivatives on plant pathogens. Carbohydr Polym, 2014, 111: 670-682

[9] Bai W, Zhang H, Liu B, Wu Y, Song JQ. Effects of super-absorbent polymers on the physical and chemical properties of soil following different wetting and drying cycles. Soil Use Manag, 2010, 26(3): 253-260

[10] Bansal P, Bubel K, Agarwal S, Greiner A. Water-stable all-biodegradable microparticles in nanofibers by electrospinning of aqueous dispersions for biotechnical plant protection. Biomacromol, 2012, 13(2): 439-444

[11] Behera S, Mahanwar PA. Superabsorbent polymers in agriculture and other applications: a review. Polymer Plast Technol Mater, 2020, 59(4): 341-356

[12] Beltran-Peña A, Rosa L, D’Odorico P. Global food self-sufficiency in the 21st century under sustainable intensification of agriculture. Environ Res Lett, 2020, 15(9): 095004

[13] Berninger T, Dietz N, González López Ó. Water-soluble polymers in agriculture: xanthan gum as eco-friendly alternative to synthetics. Microb Biotechnol, 2021, 14(5): 1881-1896

[14] Bhatt M, Kumar V, Maneesh Bhatt C, Singh A, Singh V, Kala D. Long-term effect of organic and inorganic Fertilizers on soil physico-chemical properties of a silty clay loam soil under rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. J Pharmacognosy Phytochem, 2019, 8(1): 2113-2118

[15] Bhushani JA, Kurrey NK, Anandharamakrishnan C. Nanoencapsulation of green tea catechins by electrospraying technique and its effect on controlled release and in-vitro permeability. J Food Eng, 2017, 199: 82-92

[16] Buchmann C, Bentz J, Schaumann GE. Intrinsic and model polymer hydrogel-induced soil structural stability of a silty sand soil as affected by soil moisture dynamics. Soil Tillage Res, 2015, 154: 22-33

[17] Carmona-Ribeiro AM, Araújo PM. Antimicrobial polymer−based assemblies: a review. Int J Mol Sci, 2021, 22(11): 5424

[18] Cerkez I, Sezer A, Bhullar SK. Fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly(e-caprolactone) fibrous membrane with antibacterial functionality. R Soc Open Sci, 2016, 4(2): 160911

[19] Chakkalakkal ND, Thomas M, Chittillapilly PS, Sujith A, Anjali PD. Electrospun polymer nanocomposite membrane as a promising seed coat for controlled release of agrichemicals and improved germination: towards a better agricultural prospect. J Clean Prod, 2022, 377: 134479

[20] Chang L, Xu L, Liu Y, Qiu D. Superabsorbent polymers used for agricultural water retention. Polym Testing, 2021, 94: 107021

[21] Chaud M, Souto EB, Zielinska A, Severino P, Batain F, Oliveira-Junior J, Alves T. Nanopesticides in agriculture: benefits and challenge in agricultural productivity, toxicological risks to human health and environment. Toxics, 2021, 9(6): 131

[22] Christofoli M, Costa ECC, Bicalho KU, de Cássia Domingues V, Peixoto MF, Alves CCF, Araújo WL, de Melo Cazal C. Insecticidal effect of nanoencapsulated essential oils from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium (Rutaceae) in Bemisia tabaci populations. Ind Crops Prod, 2015, 70: 301-308

[23] Clemente Z, Grillo R, Jonsson M, Santos NZP, Feitosa LO, Lima R, Fraceto LF. Ecotoxicological evaluation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanocapsules containing triazine herbicides. J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2014, 14(7): 4911-4917

[24] Das D, Prakash P, Rout PK, Bhaladhare S. Synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogel for agriculture application. Starch Stärke, 2021, 73(1–2): 1900284

[25] Das P, Ganguly S, Saravanan A, Margel S, Gedanken A, Srinivasan S, Rajabzadeh AR. Naturally derived carbon dots in situ confined self-healing and breathable hydrogel monolith for anomalous diffusion-driven phytomedicine release. ACS Appl Bio Mater, 2022, 5(12): 5617-5633

[26] Das KP, Sharma D, Satapathy BK. Electrospun fibrous constructs towards clean and sustainable agricultural prospects: SWOT analysis and TOWS based strategy assessment. J Clean Prod, 2022, 368: 133137

[27] Dhiman A, Sharma AK, Agrawal G. Polymer based engineered materials for sustainable agriculture. ACS Agric Sci Technol, 2022, 2(4): 693-711

[28] Dispat N, Poompradub S, Kiatkamjornwong S. Synthesis of ZnO/SiO2-modified starch-graft-polyacrylate superabsorbent polymer for agricultural application. Carbohydr Polym, 2020, 249: 116862

[29] Dizman B, Elasri MO, Mathias LJ. Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activities of novel methacrylate polymers containing norfloxacin. J Am Chem Soc, 2004, 6(1): 514-520

[30] Dubey S, Jhelum V, Patanjali PK. Controlled release agrochemicals formulations: a review. J Sci Ind Res, 2011, 70: 105-112

[31] Ekebafe LO, Ogbeifun DE, Okieimen FE. Polymer applications in agriculture. Biokemistri, 2011, 23(2): 77680-77680

[32] França D, Siqueira G, Nyström G, Clemens F, Souza CF, Faez R. Charged-cellulose nanofibrils as a nutrient carrier in biodegradable polymers for enhanced efficiency fertilizers. Carbohydr Polym, 2022, 296: 119934

[33] Fu Y, Yang J, Jiang L, Ren L, Zhou J. Encapsulation of lutein into starch nanoparticles to improve its dispersity in water and enhance stability of chemical oxidation. Starch Stärke, 2018

[34] Ganguly S, Das NC. Water uptake kinetics and control release of agrochemical fertilizers from nanoclay-assisted semi-interpenetrating sodium acrylate-based hydrogel. Polym Plast Technol Eng, 2017, 56(7): 744-761

[35] Ganguly S, Mondal S, Das P, Bhawal P, Maity PP, Ghosh S, Dhara S, Das NC. Design of psyllium-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-sodium acrylate)/cloisite 10A semi-IPN nanocomposite hydrogel and its mechanical, rheological and controlled drug release behaviour. Int J Biol Macromol, 2018, 111: 983-998

[36] Gao Y, Zhang Y, He S, Xiao Y, Qin X, Zhang Y, Li D, Ma H, You H, Li J. Fabrication of a hollow mesoporous silica hybrid to improve the targeting of a pesticide. Chem Eng J, 2019, 364: 361-369

[37] Gao S, Liu Y, Jiang J, Li X, Ye F, Fu Y, Zhao L. Thiram/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex electrospun nanofibers for a fast dissolving water-based drug delivery system. Colloids Surf B, 2021, 201: 111625

[38] Gharekhani H, Olad A, Mirmohseni A, Bybordi A. Superabsorbent hydrogel made of NaAlg-g-poly(AA-co-AAm) and rice husk ash: synthesis, characterization, and swelling kinetic studies. Carbohydr Polym, 2017, 168: 1-13

[39] Grillo R, Pereira AdoES, de Melo NFS, Porto RM, Feitosa LO, Tonello PS, Filho NLD, Rosa AH, Lima R, Fraceto LF (2011) Controlled release system for ametryn using polymer microspheres: Preparation, characterization and release kinetics in water. J Hazard Mater 186(2–3):1645–1651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.12.044

[40] Guha T, Gopal G, Kundu R, Mukherjee A. Nanocomposites for delivering agrochemicals: a comprehensive review. J Agric Food Chem, 2020, 68(12): 3691-3702

[41] Huang K-S, Yang C-H, Huang S-L, Chen C-Y, Lu Y-Y, Lin Y-S. Recent advances in antimicrobial polymers: a mini-review. Int J Mol Sci, 2016, 17(9): 1578

[42] Hussain MR, Devi RR, Maji TK. Controlled release of urea from chitosan microspheres prepared by emulsification and cross-linking method. Iran Polym J (engl Ed), 2012, 21(8): 473-479

[43] Ikeda T, Yamaguchi H, Tazuke S. New polymeric biocides: synthesis and antibacterial activities of polycations with pendant biguanide groups. Antimicrobial Agents Chemother, 1984

[44] Kasana RC, Panwar NR, Kaul RK, Kumar P. Ranjan S, Dasgupta N, Lichtfouse E. Copper nanoparticles in agriculture: biological synthesis and antimicrobial activity. Nanoscience in food and agriculture 3. Sustainable agriculture reviews, 2016 Cham Springer

[45] Kenawy E-R, Rizk E-S. Polymeric controlled release formulations of niclosamide for control of biomphalaria alexandrina, the vector snail of schistosomiasis. Macromol Biosci, 2004, 4(2): 119-128

[46] Kenawy ER, Harras SF, Rizk EST, Mona MH, ElMehlawy MH. New polymeric molluscicide-attractant (niclosamide-L-glutamate) for control of Biomphalaria alexandrina. Egypt J Aquat Res, 2020, 46(1): 13-18

[47] Kim SM, Rhie YH, Kong SM, Kim YS, Na YH. Synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogels for improved water retention in horticultural soil. ACS Agric Sci Technol, 2022, 2(6): 1206-1217

[48] Kiselev EG, Zhila NO, Volova TG. Biodegradable polymers—perspectives and applications in agriculture. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci, 2021, 689(1): 012036

[49] Koli P, Bhardwaj NR, Mahawer SK (2019) Agrochemicals: harmful and beneficial effects of climate changing scenarios. In: Climate change and agricultural ecosystems. Elsevier, pp 65–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816483-9.00004-9

[50] Kumar S, Nehra M, Dilbaghi N, Marrazza G, Hassan AA, Kim K-H. Nano-based smart pesticide formulations: Emerging opportunities for agriculture. J Control Release, 2019, 294: 131-153

[51] Lejcuś K, Śpitalniak M, Dąbrowska J. Swelling behaviour of superabsorbent polymers for soil amendment under different loads. Polymers, 2018, 10(3): 271

[52] Li X, Li Q, Xu X, Su Y, Yue Q, Gao B. Characterization, swelling and slow-release properties of a new controlled release fertilizer based on wheat straw cellulose hydrogel. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng, 2016, 60: 564-572

[53] Liang D, Shi H, Lu Q, Quirino RL, Zhang C. Controlled-release fertilizers with an ultralow coating content. J Mater Chem A, 2023, 11(9): 4527-4538

[54] Liang Y, Gao Y, Wang W, Dong H, Tang R, Yang J, Niu J, Zhou Z, Jiang N, Cao Y. Fabrication of smart stimuli-responsive mesoporous organosilica nano-vehicles for targeted pesticide delivery. J Hazard Mater, 2020, 389: 122075

[55] Liu S, Wu Q, Sun X, Yue Y, Tubana B, Yang R, Cheng HN. Novel alginate-cellulose nanofiber-poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for carrying and delivering nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium chemicals. Int J Biol Macromol, 2021, 172: 330-340

[56] Lobo FA, de Aguirre CL, Souza PM, Grillo R, de Melo NF, Rosa AH, Fraceto LF (2012) Preparation and characterization of polymeric microparticles used for controlled release of ametryn herbicide. In: Herbicides-properties, synthesis and control of weeds. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/31264

[57] Ma X, Wen G. Development history and synthesis of super-absorbent polymers: a review. J Polym Res, 2020, 27(6): 136

[58] Mahajan P. Agriculture trade scenario in india and its global comparisons. Int J Agric Econ, 2020, 5(3): 63

[59] Malandrakis AA, Kavroulakis N, Chrysikopoulos CV. Use of copper, silver and zinc nanoparticles against foliar and soil-borne plant pathogens. Sci Total Environ, 2019, 670: 292-299

[60] Malerba M, Cerana R. Recent applications of chitin- and chitosan-based polymers in plants. Polymers, 2019, 11(5): 839

[61] Maraveas C, Bayer IS, Bartzanas T. 4D printing: perspectives for the production of sustainable plastics for agriculture. Biotechnol Adv, 2022, 54: 107785

[62] Meraz-Dávila S, Pérez-García CE, Feregrino-Perez AA. Challenges and advantages of electrospun nanofibers in agriculture: a review. Mater Res Express, 2021, 8(4): 042001

[63] Meyer WL, Gurman P, Stelinski LL, Elman NM. Functional nano-dispensers (FNDs) for delivery of insecticides against phytopathogen vectors. Green Chem, 2015, 17(8): 4173-4177

[64] Milani P, França D, Balieiro AG, Faez R. Polymers and its applications in agriculture. Polimeros, 2017, 27(3): 256-266

[65] Mishra S, Keswani C, Abhilash PC, Fraceto LF, Singh HB. Integrated approach of agri-nanotechnology: challenges and future trends. Front Plant Sci, 2017

[66] Motamedi E, Motesharezedeh B, Shirinfekr A, Samar SM. Synthesis and swelling behavior of environmentally friendly starch-based superabsorbent hydrogels reinforced with natural char nano/microparticles. J Environ Chem Eng, 2020, 8(1): 103583

[67] Neethu TM, Dubey PK, Kaswala AR. Prospects and applications of hydrogel technology in agriculture. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci, 2018, 7(05): 3155-3162

[68] Noppakundilograt S, Pheatcharat N, Kiatkamjornwong S. Multilayer-coated NPK compound fertilizer hydrogel with controlled nutrient release and water absorbency. J Appl Polym Sci, 2015

[69] Noruzi M. Electrospun nanofibres in agriculture and the food industry: a review. J Sci Food Agric, 2016, 96(14): 4663-4678

[70] Okafor F, Janen A, Kukhtareva T, Edwards V, Curley M. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, their characterization, application and antibacterial activity. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2013, 10(10): 5221-5238

[71] Ostrand MS, DeSutter TM, Daigh ALM, Limb RF, Steele DD. Superabsorbent polymer characteristics, properties, and applications. Agrosyst Geosci Environ, 2020

[72] Pahalvi HN, Rafiya L, Rashid S, Nisar B, Kamili AN (2021) Chemical fertilizers and their impact on soil health. In: Microbiota and biofertilizers, vol 2. Springer International Publishing, Berlin, pp 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61010-4_1

[73] Pan K, Chen H, Baek SJ, Zhong Q. Self-assembled curcumin-soluble soybean polysaccharide nanoparticles: physicochemical properties and in vitro anti-proliferation activity against cancer cells. Food Chem, 2018, 246: 82-89

[74] Pascoli M, Lopes-Oliveira PJ, Fraceto LF, Seabra AB, Oliveira HC. State of the art of polymeric nanoparticles as carrier systems with agricultural applications: a minireview. Energy Ecol Environ, 2018, 3(3): 137-148

[75] Pawlak K, Kołodziejczak M. The role of agriculture in ensuring food security in developing countries: considerations in the context of the problem of sustainable food production. Sustainability, 2020, 12(13): 5488

[76] Pereira AES, Grillo R, Mello NFS, Rosa AH, Fraceto LF. Application of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles containing atrazine herbicide as an alternative technique to control weeds and reduce damage to the environment. J Hazard Mater, 2014, 268: 207-215

[77] Puoci F, Iemma F, Spizzirri UG, Cirillo G, Curcio M, Picci N. Polymer in agriculture: a review. Am J Agric Biol Sci, 2008, 3(1): 299-314

[78] Rahman MM, Khan I, Field DL, Techato K, Alameh K. Powering agriculture: present status, future potential, and challenges of renewable energy applications. Renew Energy, 2022, 188: 731-749

[79] Rai M, Ribeiro C, Mattoso L, Duran N. Nanotechnologies in food and agriculture. Springer, 2015

[80] Raja K, Prabhu C, Subramanian KS, Govindaraju K. Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers as carriers for hormones (IAA and GA3) delivery in seed invigoration for enhancing germination and seedling vigor of agricultural crops (groundnut and black gram). Polym Bull, 2021, 78(11): 6429-6440

[81] Ramli RA. Slow release fertilizer hydrogels: a review. Polym Chem, 2019, 10(45): 6073-6090

[82] Rehab A, Akelah A. Polymeric molluscicide for controlled release of bayluscide. J Chem Technol Biotechnol, 1994, 60(1): 45-53

[83] Rehman A, Ahmad R, Safdar M. Effect of hydrogel on the performance of aerobic rice sown under different techniques. Plant Soil Environ, 2011, 57(7): 321-325

[84] Rkhaila A, Chtouki T, Erguig H, El Haloui N, Ounine K. Chemical proprieties of biopolymers (chitin/chitosan) and their synergic effects with endophytic bacillus species: unlimited applications in agriculture. Molecules, 2021, 26(4): 1117

[85] Roy T, Kumar S, Chand L, Kadam DM, Bihari B, Shrimali SS, Bishnoi R, Maurya UK, Singh M, Muruganandam M, Singh L, Sharma SK, Kumar R, Mallik A. Impact of pusa hydrogel application on yield and productivity of rainfed wheat in North West Himalayan Region. Curr Sci, 2019, 116(7): 1246

[86] Sampathkumar K, Tan KX, Loo SCJ. Developing nano-delivery systems for agriculture and food applications with nature-derived polymers. Iscience, 2020, 23(5): 101055

[87] Santos M, Fonseca A, Mendonça P, Branco R, Serra A, Morais P, Coelho J. Recent developments in antimicrobial polymers: a review. Materials, 2016, 9(7): 599

[88] Santoyo-Aleman D, Sanchez LT, Villa CC. Citric-acid modified banana starch nanoparticles as a novel vehicle for β-carotene delivery. J Sci Food Agric, 2019, 99(14): 6392-6399

[89] Sedlarik V (2013) Antimicrobial modifications of polymers. In Biodegradation—life of science. InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/56222

[90] Saha A, Sekharan S, Manna U. Superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) as a soil amendment for drought management: a review. Soil Tillage Res, 2020, 204: 104736

[91] Siedenbiedel F, Tiller JC. Antimicrobial polymers in solution and on surfaces: overview and functional principles. Polymers, 2012, 4(1): 46-71

[92] Sikder A, Pearce AK, Parkinson SJ, Napier R, O’Reilly RK. Recent trends in advanced polymer materials in agriculture related applications. ACS Appl Polymer Mater, 2021, 3(3): 1203-1217

[93] Singh P, Singh R, Borthakur A, Srivastava P, Srivastava N, Tiwary D, Mishra PK. Effect of nanoscale TiO2 -activated carbon composite on Solanum lycopersicum (L.) and Vigna radiata (L.) seeds germination. Energy Ecol Environ, 2016, 1(3): 131-140

[94] Singh H, Das A, Singh S. Superabsorbent polymers-a potential solution for irrigation in agriculture. Res J Pharmacy Technol, 2019, 12(5): 2566

[95] Singh A, Dhiman N, Kar AK, Singh D, Purohit MP, Ghosh D, Patnaik S. Advances in controlled release pesticide formulations: Prospects to safer integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture. J Hazard Mater, 2020, 385: 121525

[96] Singh AK, Upadhaya A, Kumari S, Sundaram PK, Jeet P. Role of agriculture in making India $5 trillion economy under corona pandemic circumstance. J AgriSearch, 2020

[97] Singh N, Agarwal S, Jain A, Khan S. 3-Dimensional cross-linked hydrophilic polymeric network “hydrogels”: an agriculture boom. Agric Water Manag, 2021, 253: 106939

[98] Srivastav AL (2020) Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: role in groundwater contamination. In: Agrochemicals detection, treatment and remediation. Elsevier, pp 143–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-103017-2.00006-4

[99] Tanasic LM (2020) Polymer materials for controlled delivery of agrochemicals (Issue April, pp. 181–186). Association science and business center world. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340606262

[100] Thombare N, Mishra S, Siddiqui MZ, Jha U, Singh D, Mahajan GR. Design and development of guar gum based novel, superabsorbent and moisture-retaining hydrogels for agricultural applications. Carbohydr Polym, 2018, 185: 169-178

[101] Turos E, Shim J-Y, Wang Y, Greenhalgh K, Reddy GSK, Dickey S, Lim DV. Antibiotic-conjugated polyacrylate nanoparticles: New opportunities for development of anti-MRSA agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2007, 17(1): 53-56

[102] Uddin MN, Desai FJ, Asmatulu E. Biomimetic electrospun nanocomposite fibers from recycled polystyrene foams exhibiting superhydrophobicity. Energy Ecol Environ, 2020, 5: 1-11

[103] Vejan P, Khadiran T, Abdullah R, Ahmad N. Controlled release fertilizer: a review on developments, applications and potential in agriculture. J Control Release, 2021, 339: 321-334

[104] Walia N, Dasgupta N, Ranjan S, Chen L, Ramalingam C. Fish oil-based vitamin D nanoencapsulation by ultrasonication and bioaccessibility analysis in simulated gastro-intestinal tract. Ultrason Sonochem, 2017, 39: 623-635

[105] Watcharamul S, Lerddamrongchai S, Siripongpreda T, Rodtassana C, Nuisin R, Kiatkamjornwong S. Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose/nano-calcium carbonate hydrogel amendment of loamy sand soil for maize growth. ACS Agric Sci Technol, 2022, 2(5): 1071-1080

[106] Wells CM, Harris M, Choi L, Murali VP, Guerra FD, Jennings JA. Stimuli-responsive drug release from smart polymers. J Funct Biomater, 2019, 10(3): 34

[107] Xu X, Bai B, Wang H, Suo Y. A near-infrared and temperature-responsive pesticide release platform through core-shell polydopamine@PNIPAm nanocomposites. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017, 9(7): 6424-6432

[108] Yang F, Cen R, Feng W, Liu J, Qu Z, Miao Q. Effects of super-absorbent polymer on soil remediation and crop growth in arid and semi-arid areas. Sustainability, 2020, 12(18): 7825

[109] Zhang M, Zhang F, Li C, An H, Wan T, Zhang P. Application of chitosan and its derivative polymers in clinical medicine and agriculture. Polymers, 2022, 14(5): 958

[110] Zhao X, Cui H, Wang Y, Sun C, Cui B, Zeng Z. Development strategies and prospects of nano-based smart pesticide formulation. J Agric Food Chem, 2018, 66(26): 6504-6512

[111] Zheng F, Chen L, Zhang P, Zhou J, Lu X, Tian W. Carbohydrate polymers exhibit great potential as effective elicitors in organic agriculture: a review. Carbohydr Polym, 2020, 230: 115637

Funding

DBT Builder(BT/INF/22/SP41295/2020)