Introduction:

The productivity of current agricultural practices depends largely on the use of fertilizers. A major limitation of conventional fertilizers is their low crop yields, so the development and application of new types of fertilizers using nanotechnology are potentially effective options for increasing agricultural production.

Objective:

To synthesize and characterize calcium-loaded gelatin nanoparticles, and evaluate their behavior as controlled-release systems.

Methodology:

The nanoparticles were obtained by spray drying. The physicochemical characteristics of the particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, while their behavior as controlled release systems was evaluated by in vitro tests.

Results:

Calcium-loaded gelatin nanoparticles with average sizes below 700 nm, mainly spherical morphology and smooth microstructure were obtained. FTIR spectra showed the formation of electrostatic interactions between the charge and the gelatin. In vitro tests allowed to assume that the biopolymer matrix acted adequately in the controlled release of calcium ions.

Limitations of the study:

The physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials only apply to the processing conditions used.

Originality:

There are no reports on calcium-loaded biopolymer nanomaterials with potential application in agriculture.

Conclusions:

Gelatin nanoparticles, with adequate morphology and sizes, which act as controlled calcium release systems were obtained.