Abstract

Nanotechnology plays an important role to increase food production by improving plant performance. Specifically, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are an important tool for the controlled release of compounds in agriculture. Furthermore, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown an important growth-inducing effect in vegetables. Nevertheless, there is no tool designed for VOC application in agricultural systems. Therefore, the study proposes the use of NLC to the controlled release of VOC to apply in horticulture. The focus of this study was to evaluate the direct impact of 2-ketones released from NLC on Solanum lycopersicum cv Marglobe and Lactuca sativa cv Reina de Mayo. NLCs synthesized with glyceryl tristearate and isopropyl myristate were characterized and used to encapsulate 250 ppm of 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, or 2-tridecanone. Then, seedlings of S. lycopersicum and L. sativa were exposed to 2-ketones released from NLC for 10 days. Electrolyte leakage, anthocyanin, mass percentage, stomatal aperture, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. The data indicated that NLC had a mean size of 205 nm and homogeneity. NLC showed a capacity for the controlled release of 2-ketones, depending on the carbon number of the encapsulated compound. The release of 2-ketones did not have a significant effect on electrolyte leakage and anthocyanin content, but they modulate the percentage of surface elements. The role of 2-ketones to increase stomata aperture and chlorophyll concentration is noted. The results strongly suggest that NLCs are potential carriers for the release of bioactive compounds with potential use in agriculture.