Targeted Inhibition of Photosystem II Electron Transport Using Bioherbicide-Loaded Ultrasmall Nanodevices.

ABSTRACT: Usnic acid (UA) is a promising bioherbicide with a mode of action targeting photosystem II (PSII) inhibition. This study investigates the enhancement of UA's herbicidal efficacy through a novel nanoformulation using ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) as a smart delivery system. USPIONs presenting a sub-10 nm mean particle diameter were synthesized and thoroughly characterized for agricultural applications, with the objective of improving UA delivery and achieving controlled release. The basal release kinetic results revealed that c.a. 1086 min were required to release 50% of the UA release (t_50%) and when nanoparticle solution was exposed to an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) exposure, the time to 50% UA release (t50%) was about 41.03 min.

SUBMITTER: Pontes MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12658649 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature