Micro- and Nanocarriers for Encapsulation of Biological Plant Protection Agents: A Systematic Literature Review
Tânia V. Pinto, Cláudia A. Silva, Sónia Siquenique, David A. Learmonth
Abstract
Biological plant protection agents (BPPAs) are proposed as sustainable alternatives to chemical-based pesticides to face threats caused by pests and diseases emerging due to climate change. The present Review was conducted to identify the most promising materials to encapsulate and deliver BPPAs for pest and disease control with improved efficacy, increased systemic activity, and lower environmental impact. Searches on Scopus and Web of Science databases from inception up to June 30, 2022, revealed a total of 98 reports that met the eligibility criteria, 45% of which described the use of (1) naturally sourced polymers, such as chitosan (36%), alginate (23%) and plant-based proteins (16%); (2) synthetic polymers (35%); (3) inorganic materials (19%); and (4) microorganisms (1%). The review confirmed that micro- and nanoencapsulation of BPPAs using carrier materials of marine/terrestrial/synthetic sources should provide the agricultural community access to safer and more sustainable plant protection products.