Preparation and characterization of efficient and safe lambda-cyhalothrin nanoparticles with tunable particle size

Safe and efficient nanopesticides for pest control have attracted attention because of their ability to enhance target efficiency and reduce undesirable side effects. Nanoformulations have a significant role in solving the problem of water solubility for insoluble drugs. However, there are few studies on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of pesticides of different particle sizes and remains unclear how these key physicochemical properties are affected by particle size. In this study, a series of glucose-loaded lambda-cyhalothrin nanoparticles (LCNs) with a tunable size were developed via shearing emulsification and carrier loading in order to evaluate insecticidal action.

The mean particle sizes of the LCNs were 50.6, 115.2 and 221 nm. The wettability, dispersibility and stability of nanoparticles were particle size-dependent, and were mainly determined by particle size and the uniformity of distribution. Furthermore, the insecticidal activity of LCNs was inversely proportional to the particle size.

This study not only provides a facile technology for the preparation of nanopesticides with a tunable particle size, but also clarifies the effect of particle size on the performance of pesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.