Zinc complexed chitosan/TPP nanoparticles: A promising micronutrient nanocarrier suited for foliar application

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2017-06, Vol.165, p.394-401
• Main Authors: Deshpande, Paresh, Dapkekar, Ashwin, Oak, Manoj D., Paknikar, Kishore M., Rajwade, Jyutika M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomic biofortification; Chitosan; Chitosan nanocarriers; Fertilizers; Micronutrients - administration & dosage; Nanoparticles; Plant Leaves - metabolism; Triticum - metabolism; Wheat; Zinc (Zn); Zinc - chemistry
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.02.061

•Zn loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNP) were synthesized and evaluated as a micronutrient carrier suited for foliar application.•Foliar application of Zn-CNP led to grain zinc enrichment in wheat grown in zinc deficient environment.•Translocation of foliar applied zinc to grains and leaves was proved using diathizone and zinquin stains. Cultivation of cereals in zinc deficient soils leads to declined nutritional quality of grain. Zinc deficiency in humans is a consequence of consumption of micronutrient deficient cereals as staple food. To achieve an increase in zinc density in grain, we evaluated zinc complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNP) as a potential ‘nanocarrier’ suited for foliar fertilization. Zn-CNP were synthesized using tri-polyphosphate as a cross-linker. Spherical Zn-CNP (diameter 250–300nm) were positively charged (zeta potential, +42.34mV) and contained ∼20mg Zn/g (w/w). Plant growth in zinc deficient sand media, followed by foliar application of Zn-CNP (twice-a-week, for 5 weeks) after anthesis resulted in 27 and 42% increase in grain zinc content of MACS 3125 and UC1114 (durum wheat cultivars) respectively. Translocation of zinc ions from foliar applied Zn-CNP into the leaf and seed tissue was demonstrated using zinquin and dithizone stains, respectively. The study indicates the suitability of chitosan-based nanocarriers in agronomic biofortification.