Bio-based clothianidin-loaded solid dispersion using composite carriers to improve efficacy and reduce environmental...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neonicotinoids are widely used pesticides with broad-spectrum efficacy.
• Toxicity to non-target organisms like honeybees (Apis mellifera) and silkworms (Bombyx Mori) limits neonicotinoid use.
• Clothianidin, a model neonicotinoid, was formulated using solid dispersion (SD) technology with composite carriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel controlled-release formulation of clothianidin using solid dispersion (SD) technology.
• To improve the environmental safety of neonicotinoid insecticides.
• To enhance the efficacy and persistence of clothianidin against pests.

Main Methods:

• Clothianidin-loaded solid dispersion (SD) was prepared using composite carriers.
• The SD formulation was characterized to understand its formation mechanism.
• Controlled-release properties were evaluated, comparing composite carriers with PEG 8000.
• Acute toxicity to honeybees and silkworms was assessed.
• Efficacy against Asian citrus psyllid was evaluated.

Main Results:

• Clothianidin was homogeneously embedded into composite carriers in small crystalline entities.
• The composite carriers significantly prolonged clothianidin release from 7 to 25 days.
• Acute toxicity to Apis mellifera and Bombyx Mori was reduced by 57.68- and 85.32-fold, respectively.
• The SD formulation showed favorable efficacy and persistency against Asian citrus psyllid.

Conclusions:

• The novel SD strategy offers a simple and effective method to improve neonicotinoid efficacy.
• This approach enhances the environmental safety of clothianidin for sustainable crop protection.
• The controlled-release formulation addresses the limitations of conventional neonicotinoid pesticides.