Open Access

ARTICLE

Synthesis and Characterization of Photothermal Responded Chitosan/Nanodiamond-Based Composite Beads with Enhanced Control Release Properties

Yu Luo^1,2,3, Mengna Zong^1,2,3, Jin Wang^1,2,3, Xuechun Wang^1,2,3, Bo Bai^1,2,3,*, Chunyu Zhou^1,2,3,*, Junlin Zhu^1,2,3, Jianyu Xing^1,2,3, Moses M. C. Carlon Jr^1,2,3

1 School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, China
2 Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of the Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, China
3 Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, China

* Corresponding Authors: Bo Bai. Email: ; Chunyu Zhou. Email:

Journal of Polymer Materials 2024, 41(2), 87-103. https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2024.054660

Received 04 June 2024; Accepted 15 July 2024; Issue published 09 August 2024

Abstract

In this research, we developed a novel photo-stimulation-responsive composite sphere with a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) structure, synthesized via an alkali gel method, to enhance the efficiency of agrochemicals. Chitosan (CS) serves as the structural matrix and protective shell, with a loading capacity for the plant growth hormone indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) of up to 41.73 μg/mg, effectively controlling the abrupt release of auxin. The incorporation of photothermal detonation nanodiamond (DND) and the photosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) endows the spheres with the ability to respond to light and temperature stimuli, achieving intelligent control over IBA release. Characterization of the composite spheres was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Detailed discussions on the photothermal conversion and controlled release properties of the beads unveiled a novel mechanism by which photothermal reactions control drug release. At elevated temperatures, the cumulative release rate of IBA notably increased to 40.4%. Furthermore, pea growth under xenon lamp-simulated sunlight demonstrated significant enhancements in root (2.86 cm) and stem (2.19 cm) length following the application of the system. This study presents an innovative approach for modern agriculture, with promising implications for precision farming and environmental conservation.

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Keywords

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