A. Kamari

Bio: A. Kamari is an academic researcher from Sultan Idris University of Education. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 6 citations.

Synthesis, characterisation and potential application of deoxycholic acid carboxymethyl chitosan as a carrier agent for rotenone

Abstract: In the present study, deoxycholic acid carboxymethyl chitosan (DACMC) was synthesised via a two-step reaction, namely carboxymethylation and alkylation. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) Spectrometer, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) were used to characterise DACMC. Spherical self-aggregates of DACMC micelles with the size ranging from 91.3 to 140.0 nm was observed. DACMC was soluble in pH range studied (1–13), except pH 4. DACMC micelles were formed at critical concentration (CMC) value of 0.468 mg/mL. The ability of DACMC to encapsulate and load rotenone was determined at different weight ratios. The highest value of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) (more than 98%) was obtained for weight ratio of 100:1 (DACMC:Rotenone). The in vitro release data of rotenone-loaded DACMC followed Ritger and Peppas Case II transport mechanism. Results from this study highlight the potential of DACMC to reduce organic solvent application in water-insoluble pesticide production.

Bioactivity of Nanoformulated Synthetic and Natural Insecticides and Their Impact on Environment

Abstract: Insects represent the most diverse group of organisms on our planet with approximately one million described species. While some of them have beneficial effects in ecosystem services through plant pollination and natural pest control, there are numerous quarantine insect pests causing considerable damage to crop production and storage. Consequently, in crop pest management, the application of effective insecticides is extremely needed, and at selection of appropriate active compounds, the effects of insecticides or their residues on non-target organisms should be considered. The application of synthetic insecticides could result in the resistance of the target insect against the applied insecticide. Therefore, recently, a great attention has been devoted to insecticide formulations using active compounds of natural origin that are less toxic than conventional synthetic insecticides, exert the effects exclusively on the target insect and closely related organisms, are very effective in very small doses, are characterized with rapid decomposition, and, due to short exposure, practically do not contribute to environmental pollution. Using a nanotechnology approach, insecticide formulations with the enhanced bioavailability of active ingredients enabling their targeted delivery, controlled release, protection against degradation, and higher effectiveness could be prepared. In this manner, the overuse of these toxic compounds could be avoided resulting in the reduced contamination of the environment and representing an economically favorable solution. This chapter gives a comprehensive overview of recent findings related to the bioactivity of nanoformulations of synthetic and natural insecticides against harmful insects causing severe damage to economically important crops or deteriorating stored food products. The impact of nanoinsecticides on the environment, including potential deleterious effects on non-target organisms, is discussed as well.

Synthesis of rotenone loaded zein nano-formulation for plant protection against pathogenic microbes

Abstract: Rotenone (RN) is a naturally occurring isoflavone found in the root or rhizomes of fabaceae (a plant family), known for its insecticidal/pesticidal properties. Rotenone was loaded in zein nanoparticles (ZSC) by antisolvent precipitation method at room temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles showed self-assembled spherical nanostructures having 425.67 ± 7.02 and 471.33 ± 10.60 nm of hydrodynamic radii with −14.23 ± 0.21 and −17.64 ± 0.89 mV zeta potential for ZSC and RNZSC (rotenone loaded zein nanoparticles), respectively. The encapsulation of rotenone was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and DSC studies. A significant encapsulation efficiency of 95.82 ± 0.038% and 5.99 ± 0.002% loading efficiency were determined by HPLC studies. Synthesized RNZSC showed excellent antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens- P. syringae and F. oxysporum. Our studies showed for the first time direct evidence of antimicrobial activity of rotenone against plant pathogens. A similar approach could be adopted for developing several new botanical based nano-formulations with their known insecticidal effect, to control certain plant diseases in an environment friendly and sustainable manner.