Optimization of encapsulated neem extract for releasing rate studies

Abstract

The application of synthetic pesticide contributes to the environmental issues, insect resistance, marketing opportunities and detrimental health effect. The application of biopesticide from neem leaves offers a great potential as biopesticide due to its active ingredient namely azadirachtin. However, the compound is unstable under harsh environment. Encapsulation technique helps to increase the delivery efficiency. The studies focus on the optimization of encapsulation of neem extract which involved three parameters namely concentration of sodium alginate, A (1.5-2.5%), volume of neem extract, B (5-15 ml) and exposure time, C (30-90 min) by using Central Composite Design (CCD). The model was significant with B and C displayed the potent parameters in the releasing neem extract to the surrounding. The optimum conditions were found to be 2.02% of A, 11.88ml of B and 68.35 min of C which released 7.34 % of neem extract to the surrounding. The encapsulation of neem extract showed a good potential to be used in agriculture sector.