Tailoring Core-Shell Nanocapsules of Abscisic Acid/Tannic Acid-Urea via Mechanochemical Method for Enhanced UV...

Enhancing the photostability of pesticides is crucial for improving application efficiency and reducing usage frequency. Herein, an abscisic acid (ABA)/tannic acid (TA)-urea (ABA@TA-U) core-shell nanocapsules delivery system was developed using a mechanochemical method for improve ultraviolet (UV) shielding. Benefiting from the solvent-free synthesis strategy, the obtained ABA@TA-U-6 nanocapsules exhibit a broad size distribution (average particle size: 515.8 nm) and high active ingredient loading capacity (77.7%). The TA-U shell provides exceptional UV shielding properties, significantly mitigating ABA photodegradation. Foliar spray and hydroponic experiments demonstrated effective leaves and roots uptake and translocation of ABA@TA-U-6 nanocapsules in cotton seedlings. Proteomic analysis confirmed that ABA@TA-U-6 nanocapsules activated the MAPK pathway and metabolic processes to trigger systemic stress defense. Therefore, the ABA@TA-U-6 nanocapsules system not only effectively protects ABA from UV degradation but also serves as a potent delivery platform for intracellular transport, showcasing significant potential for sustainable agricultural applications.