Interference of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter by Functional Nano-Delivery System for High Efficiency Management of...

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, by mediating drug efflux, have emerged as a major driver of insecticide resistance in agricultural pests, yet direct countermeasures against this defense mechanism remain scarce. Here, we report that zeolitic imidazole framework-90 (ZIF-90) can serve as a functional insecticide carrier to overcome resistance by interfering with ABC transporters. Dinotefuran-loaded ZIF-90 (Din@ZIF-90) was synthesized via a simple and rapid one-pot method and exhibited significantly enhanced toxicity against Din-resistant Nilaparvata lugens. Mechanistically, the nanoformulation selectively inhibited the expression of NlABCG3 and NlABCH1, two ABC transporter genes involved in Din resistance, as validated by RNAi. Molecular docking further confirmed the binding potential of Din with the NlABCG3 and NlABCH1 proteins, establishing their functional roles in efflux-based resistance. In addition, Din@ZIF-90 afforded enhanced photostability, pH/ATP-responsive release, superior leaf adhesion, and preserved systemic movement in rice. The nanoformulation also exhibited markedly lower acute contact toxicity to honeybees and was biocompatible with rice, promoting seedling growth. This work presents a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to combat insecticide resistance through targeted modulation of ABC transporters.