The purpose of this study was to prepare nanoparticles made of tri-block poly(lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly (lactide) (PLA–PEG–PLA) with controlled size as drug carrier. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to identify factors which influence particle size. In this way, PLA–PEG–PLA was synthesized and was made into nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation under different conditions. The copolymer and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized by various techniques such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, photon correlation spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The developed model was assessed and found to be of high quality. The model was then used to survey the effects of processing factors including polymer concentration, amount of drug, solvent ratio and mixing rate on particle size of polymeric nanoparticles. It was observed that polymer concentration is the most affecting parameter on nanoparticle size distribution. The results demonstrate the potential of ANNs in modelling and identification of critical parameters effective on final particle size.

A slow release NPK fertilizer formulation was prepared via insitu free radical graft polymerization of salep with an acrylic acid (AA) monomer in the presence of montmorillonite (MMT) and fertilizer. Evidence of component interactions, morphology, thermal properties, and fertilizer incorporation into hydrogel nanocomposite fertilizer formulation was obtained using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM techniques. The swelling behavior of hydrogels in various pH and saline solutions was investigated. In addition, the water retention capability of loamy sand soil having the prepared fertilizer formulation was evaluated. The results showed that the synthesized hydrogels have pH and salt sensitive swelling behaviors as well as good water retention properties. Fertilizer release studies also showed that the presence of MMT caused the formulation system to liberate the nutrient in a more controlled manner. Finally, these good characteristics showed that these formulations are potentially applicable for agricultural and horticultural purposes.