Advanced Eutectogel Carrier Toward the Synergistic Enhancement of Pesticides and Fertilizers Bioavailability

Functional carriers present considerable interest in pesticide and fertilizer applications owing to their potential to improve crop yield and quality. However, current carriers often fail to simultaneously address pesticide-fertilizer integration, environmental stability, and reprocessability. Herein, we developed an integrated eutectogel carrier (IMI-TA-DES) through one-pot ring-opening polymerization of α-thioctic acid (TA) employing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) to solvate imidacloprid (IMI). The IMI-TA-DES demonstrates notable optical transparency (76%), robust mechanical performance (tensile strength of 52 kPa, elongation at break of 446%), expedited self-healing capability (efficiency of 92%), and impressive reprocessability. The release behavior of IMI-TA-DES can be precisely controlled through pH modulation. Moreover, the carrier mitigates IMI leaching in soil while manifesting favorable biocompatibility for wheat germination and earthworms. Pot experiments validate that IMI-TA-DES not only delivers potent insecticidal activity against aphids but also furnishes beneficial nutritional sustenance for plant growth. This study provides a sustainable strategy for pesticide-fertilizer carriers for agricultural applications.