Coaxial direct ink writing of core-shell meshes enables zero-waste room temperature encapsulation of multivariate fertilizers

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.133842

This work offers a core-shell mesh produced via coaxial direct ink writing (cDIW) to encapsulate multivariate fertilizers. We optimized cDIW parameters, and formulated core and shell inks using poly(ethylene glycol) and polysaccharides. These formulations facilitated a slow degradation and release of ions in the soil while introducing essential nutrients. To showcase a practical application of these meshes, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was used in controlled growth studies. The meshes with the fertilizer promoted a ∼1.5-fold growth compared to the traditional method where fertilizers are directly applied to the soil. To underline the ease of transportation, flexural strength and load bearing capacity of the meshes were studied. The flexural strength was measured as ∼600 MPa for 2-layered mesh which can also carry more than 1500 times its weight. Overall, our room temperature, zero-waste fabrication route generated a flexible, multivariate fertilizer encapsulation system that promotes plant growth.