Open Access

ARTICLE

Candelilla Wax as Natural Slow-Release Matrix for Fertilizers Encapsulated by Spray Chilling

Noé Navarro-Guajardo¹, Edgar Miguel García-Carrillo², Carlos Espinoza-González^2,*, Rubén Téllez-Zablah¹, Fátima Dávila-Hernández², Jorge Romero-García², Antonio Ledezma-Pérez²

1 Technological Institute of Saltillo, Blvd. Venustiano Carranza 2400, C.P. 25280, Saltillo, Coahuila, México
2 Research Center for Applied Chemistry, Sonomimetikos Research Group, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo 140, C.P. 25294, Saltillo, Coahuila, México
3 Research Center for Applied Chemistry, National Laboratory of Graphene, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo 140, C.P. 25294, Saltillo, Coahuila, México
4 CONACyT – Institute of Ecology A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91070, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
5 Network for Advanced Molecular Studies, Institute of Ecology A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C.P. 91070, Xalapa, Veracruz, México

*Corresponding author:

Journal of Renewable Materials 2018, 6(3), 226-236. https://doi.org/10.7569/JRM.2017.634164

Abstract

Efforts to improve crop yields with efficient use of fertilizers are needed to guarantee global food security. Enhanced slow-release fertilizer systems (SRFs) encapsulated in biodegradable matrices are being developed to address this global concern. From a wide range of strategies for SRFs development, we explored a nature-inspired solution based on the plant cuticle model and its function as a membrane for water and nutrient transport control. Here, Candelilla wax, extracted from Candelilla wild plants (Euphorbia antisyphilitica), is studied as a renewable slow-release matrix for fertilizers encapsulated by a modified spray chilling process. From this process, microencapsulates containing 40 wt% of phosphorus fertilizer are obtained with distinctive sizes and chemical characteristics, presenting a slow-release behavior. Considering the abovementioned features, novel insights into fertilizer release mechanisms based on plant cuticle models are discussed.

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Keywords

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