Zein and lignin-based nanoparticles as soybean seed treatment: translocation and impact on seed and plant health

Abstract Zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) were synthesized with a cationic surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (122.9 ± 0.8 nm, + 59.7 4.4 mV) and non-ionic Tween 80 (118.7 1.7 26.4 1.1 mV). Lignin-graft-poly(lactic- co -glycolic) acid (LNPs) made without surfactants (52.9 0.2 ? 54.9 0.5 Both samples applied as antifungal seed treatments on soybeans, their impact germination plant health was assessed. Treated seeds showed high rates (> 90% for all treatment groups), similar to the control group (100%). Root stem lengths dry biomass of treated not statistically distinguishable from control. Foliage seed-treated plants fed larvae Chrysodeixis includens no differences in mortality between treatments. No translocation fluorescently tagged particles observed fluorescence microscopy following germination. Nano-delivered azoxystrobin provided ~ 100% protection when LNPs used. Results suggest ZNPs are safe effective delivery systems active compounds