Confined Enzymolysis Strategy Based on the Plant Cell Hierarchical Structure for Enhancing Pathogen Resistance...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional single-responsive nanopesticides show limited efficacy due to poor pesticide utilization in complex pathogen infection microenvironments.
• Developing advanced pesticide delivery systems is crucial for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize dual-responsive hexaconazole-loaded nanopesticides (Hex/HMSN-PEC) inspired by plant cell structures.
• To evaluate the antifungal activity, targeted delivery, and crop safety of the developed nanopesticides.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of pectin (PEC)-coated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) loaded with hexaconazole via confined enzymolysis.
• Assessment of pectinase/pH dual-responsiveness to simulated pathogen microenvironments.
• Evaluation of antifungal efficacy against *Rhizoctonia solani*, plant growth impact, and earthworm toxicity.

Main Results:

• Hex/HMSN-PEC exhibited potent antifungal activity (EC50 = 0.783 mg/L), comparable to commercial hexaconazole suspension (Hex SC) but with higher efficacy.
• The 143 ± 2 nm Hex/HMSN-PEC demonstrated bidirectional vascular transport, enhanced fungal cell wall penetration, and rainwash resistance.
• Minimal impact on rice seed growth and significantly improved chlorophyll content compared to Hex SC, along with enhanced earthworm safety.

Conclusions:

• Pectinase/pH dual-responsive Hex/HMSN-PEC offers a novel approach for controlled pesticide release and targeted action.
• This dual-responsive system overcomes limitations of conventional pesticides, improving utilization and crop safety.
• The developed nanopesticides present a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture with reduced environmental risks.