Active site, physical ingredients

The challenges of application techniques are complemented by a consideration of pesticide formulation science. The development of a practical and stable formulation that has the precise chemical and physical properties to enable the delivery of the active ingredient to the site of action is central to this topic. Although the discussion in this book concentrates on the development of products for the application of pesticides to crops via the use of spray application equipment, it recognises that, firstly, the same considerations apply to other areas of application, and that, secondly, formulation science can and does influence the ultimate safety and efficacy of the product. 

Drugs, cosmetic ingredients, and food additives are microencapsulated for a variety of reasons, which include reducing local side-effects, controlled release, site-specific (drug) delivery, and drug targeting. A tremendous amount of research work has been done in a search for suitable methods to achieve an effective eneapsulation of water-soluble active matter. The physical characteristics of the microspheres produced largely determine their suitability for use for different objectives. Microspheres are prepared from both natural and synthetic polymers. 

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