State of the art of polymeric nanoparticles as carrier systems with agricultural applications: a minireview

Polymeric nanoparticles have been developed as carrier systems for agrochemicals aimed at pest control and increased crop yields. This minireview summarizes the recent progress and challenges in the design and application of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators. The many advantages of these nanoagrochemicals are discussed including: (1) the availability, biocompatibility and biodegradability of many polymers, (2) the decreased impact on non-target organisms, (3) the protection of the active compounds against degradation, (4) their increased solubility, (5) modified release, and (6) an improved efficacy of the active ingredients. We also discuss the major gaps and obstacles in this area, such as the large-scale production of these systems and the need for investigations of the toxicity to non-target organisms.