Self-Reporting Supramolecular Coacervates Driven by Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Enable Systemic Translocation and...

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Plant Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Hydrophobic photosensitizers face challenges in penetrating biological barriers for therapeutic use.
• Developing effective delivery systems for agricultural applications is crucial for sustainable pest management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fluidic supramolecular coacervate platform for efficient delivery of hydrophobic photosensitizers.
• To investigate the efficacy of this platform in treating plant diseases and enhancing crop defense.

Main Methods:

• Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) was used to assemble cationic conjugated polymer photosensitizers with poly(thioctic acid) derivatives into dynamic coacervates (CMCP).
• The adhesion, retention, and photodynamic antibacterial activity of CMCP on hydrophobic plant surfaces were evaluated.
• In vivo efficacy against rice bacterial blight and modulation of antioxidant enzyme systems were assessed.
• The self-reporting capability of CMCP using its intrinsic fluorescence was demonstrated for root uptake and systemic translocation visualization.

Main Results:

• The fluidic CMCP demonstrated strong adhesion and deposition on hydrophobic plant surfaces, ensuring excellent retention.
• CMCP achieved complete eradication of *Xanthomonas oryzae* pv. *oryzae* under white light irradiation.
• In vivo treatment of rice bacterial blight was effective under natural light, with enhanced rice defense observed.
• The system visualized root uptake and systemic translocation to leaves, a significant achievement for hydrophobic photosensitizers.

Conclusions:

• The fluidic supramolecular coacervate platform overcomes biological barriers for effective hydrophobic photosensitizer delivery.
• CMCP offers a potent strategy for sustainable, pesticide-free bioprotection in agriculture.
• This work presents a paradigm for designing fluidic supramolecular materials for overcoming biological barriers.