Preparation, Characterization of Alginate/Chitosan Nanocarriers for Atrazine Encapsulation and Its Pre‐ and Post‐Emergence Herbicidal Activity Against Bidens Pilosa L.

ABSTRACT In contemporary agriculture, the excessive use of herbicides has raised significant environmental apprehensions. To address these environmental concerns, researchers have turned to the encapsulation of herbicides within nanocarriers as a promising strategy. In this study, alginate/chitosan nanoparticles (ALG/CS NPs) were designed as nanocarriers to encapsulate atrazine (AT). The ALG/CS NPs loaded AT herbicide nanoparticles (AT/ALG/CS NPs) showed an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the active ingredient above 50% under the rotation speed of 30,000 rpm by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ALG/CS NPs and AT/ALG/CS NPs were characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The assessment of both pre‐ and post‐emergence herbicidal activity against Bidens pilosa L. illustrated a better weed control effect of AT/ALG/CS NPs than AT solutions. Contact angle and liquid holding capacity analyzed confirmed a better adhesive capacity performance of AT/ALG/CS NPs. This study provided a viable and environmentally benign alternative for herbicide delivery, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices.