Development of a Lignin-Based Carrier - Citronella Oil Nanoemulsion and Its Utilization as an Herbicide against Specific Weed Species

Chem Biodivers. 2024 Sep;21(9):e202400861. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202400861. Epub 2024 Aug 16.

Abstract

This research aims to create an emulsion formulation utilizing lignin as a carrier and citronella oil for its application as a herbicide. The formulation composition includes lignin solution 55-62 %v/v, Tween 80 25 %w/v, propylene glycol 10 %w/v, and citronella oil 3-10 %w/v. The preparation steps involve preparing the oil phase by mixing tween 80 surfactant, propylene glycol, and citronella oil; preparing the aqueous phase by mixing lignin into distilled water at pH 12 with stirring; mixing the oil phase and the water phase accompanied by stirring at 5000-10000 rpm for 1-5 minutes until a stable solution is formed as a natural herbicide. The application outcomes revealed that the formulation successfully eliminated specific weeds within two to three days at the maximum concentration of 10 %, leaving no detectable herbicide residue after 7 and 15 days of treatment. The result demonstrates how green technology has the capacity to replace herbicides derived from chemicals, especially in the agricultural sector.

Keywords: Citronella oil; Lignin; Nanoemulsion formulation; Natural herbicides; Specific weeds.

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions* / chemistry
  • Herbicides* / chemistry
  • Herbicides* / pharmacology
  • Lignin* / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology
  • Plant Oils / chemistry
  • Plant Weeds / drug effects
  • Polysorbates / chemistry

Substances

  • Herbicides
  • Lignin
  • Emulsions
  • citronella oil
  • Plant Oils
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Polysorbates