Abstract Halloysite nanotubes (Hal) are naturally occurring tubular clay nanomaterials that have a unique tubular structure and surface modifiability. In order to increase the stability and to achieve controlled release of fertilizers, chitosan (CS) was assembled on the surface of Hal as a valve for preparing Hal@CS and to control the mesoporous surface and lumen ports. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and nitrogen adsorption isotherm analysis were conducted to confirm the successful grafting of CS onto the surface of the Hal. The cumulative release ratio of urea from the Hal@CS in vitro after 96 h was 34.37% without glutathione (GSH). After introducing GSH the rate of release of urea from the Hal@CS increased. The uptake, translocation, and distribution of the Hal@CS in the epidermal layer and endodermis of root tissue were detected by fluorescence labeling and TEM. We conclude that Hal@CS are a potential controlled-release carrier and delivery system for agricultural fertilizers.

中文翻译：

---

壳聚糖改性埃洛石纳米管作为氮输送的控释纳米载体

摘要埃洛石纳米管 (Hal) 是天然存在的管状粘土纳米材料，具有独特的管状结构和表面改性。为了增加稳定性并实现肥料的控释，壳聚糖（CS）组装在 Hal 表面作为制备 Hal@CS 的阀门，并控制介孔表面和管腔端口。进行透射电子显微镜 (TEM)、X 射线衍射、傅里叶变换红外、热重分析和氮吸附等温线分析以确认 CS 成功接枝到 Hal 表面。在不含谷胱甘肽 (GSH) 的情况下，96 小时后尿素从 Hal@CS 体外的累积释放率为 34.37%。引入 GSH 后，Hal@CS 的尿素释放率增加。摄取、易位、通过荧光标记和透射电镜检测Hal@CS在根组织表皮层和内皮层中的分布和分布。我们得出结论，Hal@CS 是一种潜在的农业肥料控释载体和输送系统。