Terpenoid plasticizer modified nanocellulose for renewable pesticide encapsulation
A novel, renewable encapsulation platform using hemp-derived nanocellulose modified with terpenoid plasticizers. TPMN enables stable aqueous pesticide suspensions as a biodegradable alternative to synthetic microplastics and emulsifiers, supporting controlled-release agrochemical delivery.
Overview
Terpenoid Plasticizer Modified Nanocellulose (TPMN) is a novel encapsulation platform built from industrial hemp hurd, an agricultural byproduct typically discarded. By modifying nanocellulose with terpenes and terpenoids that act as plasticizers, the resulting material functions as a highly effective Pickering emulsifier capable of stabilizing water-immiscible pesticide formulations in aqueous suspension. TPMN offers the agrochemical industry a renewable, biodegradable, and readily available alternative to synthetic microplastics and conventional plasticizers, addressing growing regulatory and sustainability pressures while enabling controlled-release delivery of active ingredients.
Technical specifications
- Renewable substrate: Nanocellulose derived from industrial hemp hurd (inner short fibers of Cannabis sativa L. stems), a low-cost, widely available agricultural byproduct.
- Pickering emulsifier function: Nanocellulose adsorbs strongly at liquid-liquid interfaces, stabilizing emulsions without traditional surfactants.
- Terpenoid plasticizer modification: Incorporation of plasticizing terpenoids enhances microencapsulation capacity and film flexibility, improving controlled-release performance.
- Targeted terpenoid panel: Squalene, Squalane, Farnesene, Farnesyl acetate, Geranial, Neral, Geranyl acetate, Linalyl acetate, Citronellol acetate, Phytyl acetate, Isovaleric acid, Angelic acid, and Tiglic acid.
- Functional moiety incorporation: Terpenoid isolates can be modified with functional groups for targeted agrochemical activity.
- Suspension stability: Laboratory-confirmed stable aqueous suspensions maintained for months with no visible spoilage, outperforming commonly used emulsifiers.
- Applications: Pesticide encapsulation, controlled-release agrochemical delivery, and broader encapsulation uses in agricultural formulations.
Technology readiness level
TPMN is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Production of hemp hurd-derived nanocellulose has been confirmed, and proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated that terpene-based pesticide formulations remain in stable aqueous suspension for months using the nanocellulose Pickering emulsifier system. Initial terpenoid modification work with functional moieties is underway. Future validation will include preparation of TPMN derivatives, evaluation of microcapsule formation and controlled release in vitro and in planta across time-series studies, and shelf-life testing of suspension stability and degradation over a two-month period.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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