Improving abamectin bioavailability via nanosuspension constructed by wet milling technique

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Formulation Science

Background:

• Poorly water-soluble and photosensitive pesticides present formulation challenges, limiting efficacy and environmental friendliness.
• Conventional pesticide formulations (e.g., wettable powder, emulsifiable concentrate) suffer from issues like dust drift, organic solvent overuse, and low efficacy.
• There is a critical need for advanced formulations to improve pesticide bioavailability and reduce environmental contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective and environmentally friendly nanoformulation for pesticide delivery.
• To create an abamectin nanosuspension using a scalable and efficient method.
• To enhance the bioavailability, retention, and photostability of pesticides.

Main Methods:

• Development of an abamectin nanosuspension utilizing a wet-milling technique.
• Optimization of formulation parameters through orthogonal experimental design.
• Characterization of nanosuspension properties including particle size, zeta potential, and leaf adhesion.

Main Results:

• The abamectin nanosuspension exhibited average particle sizes of 233 nm (DLS), 90 nm (SEM), and 140 nm (TEM).
• The nanosuspension demonstrated enhanced retention (1.5x) and anti-photolysis (1.6x) compared to conventional emulsions.
• Biological activity against diamondback moths was approximately doubled with the nanosuspension formulation.

Conclusions:

• A scalable and straightforward method for producing pesticide nanosuspensions was established, avoiding organic solvents.
• The developed nanoformulation significantly boosts pesticide efficacy, allowing for reduced application rates.
• This approach minimizes pesticide dosage and lessens environmental pollution, offering a sustainable solution.