Preparation of DNF@UiO-67 and the insecticidal activity study and safety evaluation

Dinotefuran (DNF) is a neonicotinoid insecticide with strong systemic, poisoning and gastric toxicity, which is no cross-resistance with the existing pesticides, but its toxicity to environmental organisms such as bees and earthworms is high. The development of environmentally responsive pesticide controlled-release agents using nanomaterials to process the agents by physical or chemical methods can improve the utilization of the pesticide and better utilize the active molecules of the pesticide.

To enhance the performance of dinotefuran, UiO-67 was prepared, characterized, and then combined with dinotefuran to form dinotefuran-UiO-67 (DNF@UiO-67) nanocomposites. Compared with dinotefuran, DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites significantly increased the wettability and photolysis resistance of dinotefuran. Dinotefuran was loaded on UiO-67 without influencing its original activity and was more efficient in the long-term control of pea aphid compared to dinotefuran. The treatment of pea seeds with different concentrations of DNF@UiO-67 did not significantly affect the germination and growth of pea seeds and ensured the normal growth of plants. DNF@UiO-67 reduced the acute toxicity to earthworms and bees. These improvements imply that the DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites could be used as a potential formulation to improve insecticidal activity and enhance its safety for environmental organisms of dinotefuran.

This study not only develops DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites to improve the performance of dinotefuran while maintaining its original insecticidal, but also provides a new idea for the application of dinotefuran in agriculture. Our findings will provide more possibilities for the application of DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites as an effective and environmentally friendly formulation in agriculture. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.