Alginates as binding matrix for bio‐molluscicides against harmful snails Lymnaea acuminata

Various properties of alginates, such as its biodegradability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and ability to form gel with a variety of crosslinking agents in mild and aqueous conditions, make it a very useful binding matrix. Use of alginates as binding matrix for bio‐molluscicides (crude Annona squamosa powder and acetogenin extracted from the seed powder of A. squamosa) is explored in this article. Effect of different crosslinkers as well as different loaded concentrations of biomolluscicides on the release were studied The release of the biomolluscicides extended over 25 and 20 days, respectively. The release was affected by the type of crosslinker and the amount of loaded concentration of the molluscicides. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007