Experiment code 21.6.3.12
Experiment Title PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Sustainable Fertilizer Delivery System for Enhanced Cotton Productivity
Research Type Lab Research
Experiment Background Chitosan, a natural polymer known for its biodegradability and biocompatibility, is widely used as a delivery system for nano-fertilizers. However, its solubility is limited to acidic pH conditions, restricting its broader application in agriculture. To address this, PEGylation, the modification of chitosan with polyethylene glycol (PEG), can significantly enhance its water solubility, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery (Melo et. al., 2020). PEGylation improves water availability and creates a more reliable nanoparticle system for controlled fertilizer delivery. While PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles have been extensively utilized in drug delivery systems, their potential as nano-fertilizers remains largely unexplored. This research seeks to develop a water-stable nano-fertilizer delivery system utilizing PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles, aiming to reduce fertilizer loss, improve nutrient use efficiency, and minimize environmental impact through controlled-release technology.
Experiment Group Basic Science
Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit (20)ASPEE SHAKILAM BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (SURAT)
Department (2378)PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
BudgetHead (339/12113/00)339/01/REG/04653
Objective
  1. To synthesize and characterize PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles for their suitability as a water-soluble nitrogen nano-fertilizer delivery system.
  2. To encapsulate nitrogen fertilizer molecules in PEGylated Chitosan Nanoparticles, and evaluate their efficiency in controlled nitrogen release and stability
  3. To evaluate the effect of PEGylated chitosan nanoparticles on the growth, nutrient uptake, and yield parameters of cotton under controlled pot conditions
Season -
Location Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Location Unit (20)ASPEE SHAKILAM BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (SURAT)
Location Department (312)PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
Plot No NA
PI Name (NAU-EMP-2015-000494)VAIBHAVKUMAR NANDKISHOR MEHTA
PI Email vaibhavmehta@nau.in
PI Mobile 9426388144
Year of Approval 2025
Commencement Year 2025
Completion Year 2029
Design of Experiment

FCRD (two factor)

(Treatment Combinations: 35 ´ 3 = 105)

Factor 1: Concentrations of nanoparticles

Factor 2: Days of application 
Crop Spacing (cm x cm)

Not Applicable
Gross Plot (m x m) NA
Net Plot (m x m) NA
Total Experiment Area (m2) NA
Plot History Last Three Year

NA
Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report

NA
Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Layout Plan

NA
Layout Plan Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Treatment

T1: Absolute control (without any fertilizer)

T2: 100% RDN

T3: 100% nanofertilizers

T4: 75% nanofertilizers + 25 % RDN

T5: 50% nanofertilizers + 50 % RDN

T6: 25% nanofertilizers + 75 % RDN

T7: Nanoparticles without fertilizers
Treatment Attachment Attachment Not Available!
(NAU-EMP-2015-000494) VAIBHAVKUMAR NANDKISHOR MEHTA vaibhavmehta@nau.in 9426388144 04-02-2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2008-000497) SANJAY MOHAN JHA sanjayjha14@nau.in 7600059128 04/02/2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2015-000493) SWATI KIRANBHAI PATEL swati_20188@nau.in 9879688080 04/02/2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2008-000426) AJAY VITTHALRAO NARWADE narwadeajay_2000@nau.in 9375189469 04/02/2026
Active
Cotton Cotton Hy. 10 (BG II)
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