Multifunction Nanoparticles and Nanopesticides in Agricultural Application

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 17379

Special Issue Editor

College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
Interests: nano delivery technology of pesticide; development of RNA nanoagents

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the topics of broad agricultural applications using nanosized materials or nanocarriers/particles. Studies that explore the design and synthesizing of functionalized or multifunctional nanoparticles, utilizing nanocarriers for biomolecule delivery or gene manipulation, the control of plant disease or pests via nanosized pesticides are welcome. Other related topics need enquiry before manuscript submission. The submitted manuscripts should fit the aims and scope of the journal Nanomaterials. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Jie Shen
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanoparticle
  • nanocarrier
  • nanocarrier/particle delivery
  • RNA interference (RNAi)
  • gene edition
  • bioactivity
  • agricultural application

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4289 KiB  
Article
Fluorescent Nanoparticle-RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Sterol Carrier Protein-2 Gene Expression Suppresses the Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera
by Kexin Geng, Ying Zhang, Xi Zhao, Wanlin Zhang, Xinhan Guo, Lu He, Kaiyu Liu, Hong Yang, Huazhu Hong, Jianxin Peng and Rong Peng
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020245 - 06 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Helicoverpa armigera is a polyphagous destructive lepidopteran pest with strong Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance. Cholesterol, a vital component for insect growth, can only be obtained from food, and its transfer and metabolism are regulated by sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). This study examined whether [...] Read more.
Helicoverpa armigera is a polyphagous destructive lepidopteran pest with strong Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) resistance. Cholesterol, a vital component for insect growth, can only be obtained from food, and its transfer and metabolism are regulated by sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2). This study examined whether H. armigera SCP-2 (HaSCP-2) gene expression, involved in cholesterol absorption, can be silenced by nanocarrier fluorescent nanoparticle-RNA interference (FNP-RNAi) by larval feeding and whether the silencing affected H. armigera development. Fluorescence microscopy showed that nanoparticle-siRNA was distributed in Ha cells and the larval midgut. FNP-HaSCP-2 siRNA suppressed HaSCP-2 expression by 52.5% in H.armigera Ha cells. FNP can effectively help deliver siRNA into cells, protect siRNA, and is not affected by serum. FNP-siRNA in vivo biological assays showed that HaSCP-2 transcript levels were inhibited by 70.19%, 68.16%, and 67.66% in 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, leading to a decrease in the cholesterol level in the larval and prepupal fatbodies. The pupation rate and adult emergence were reduced to 26.0% and 56.52%, respectively. This study demonstrated that FNP could deliver siRNA to cells and improve siRNA knockdown efficiency. HaSCP-2 knockdown by FNP-siRNA in vivo hindered H. armigera growth and development. FNP could enhance RNAi efficiency to achieve pest control by SCP-2-targeted FNP-RNAi. Full article
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17 pages, 3948 KiB  
Article
Degradable Self-Destructive Redox-Responsive System Based on Mesoporous Organosilica Nano-Vehicles for Smart Delivery of Fungicide
by You Liang, Sijin Wang, Yijia Yao, Siwen Yu, Ao Li, Yuanfeng Wang, Jiehui Song and Zhongyang Huo
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4249; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234249 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1532
Abstract
The development of stimuli-responsive controlled release formulations is a potential method of improving pesticide utilization efficiency and alleviating current pesticide-related environmental pollution. In this study, a self-destruction redox-responsive pesticide delivery system using biodegradable disulfide-bond-bridged mesoporous organosilica (DMON) nanoparticles as the porous carriers and [...] Read more.
The development of stimuli-responsive controlled release formulations is a potential method of improving pesticide utilization efficiency and alleviating current pesticide-related environmental pollution. In this study, a self-destruction redox-responsive pesticide delivery system using biodegradable disulfide-bond-bridged mesoporous organosilica (DMON) nanoparticles as the porous carriers and coordination complexes of gallic acid (GA) and Fe(III) ions as the capping agents were established for controlling prochloraz (PRO) release. The GA–Fe(III) complexes deposited onto the surface of DMON nanoparticles could effectively improve the light stability of prochloraz. Due to the decomposition of GA–Fe(III) complexes, the nano-vehicles had excellent redox-responsive performance under the reducing environments generated by the fungus. The spreadability of PRO@DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanoparticles on the rice leaves was increased due to the hydrogen bonds between GA and rice leaves. Compared with prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate, PRO@DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanoparticles showed better fungicidal activity against Magnaporthe oryzae with a longer duration under the same concentration of prochloraz. More importantly, DMON–GA–Fe(III) nanocarriers did not observe obvious toxicity to the growth of rice seedlings. Considering non-toxic organic solvents and excellent antifungal activity, redox-responsive pesticide controlled release systems with self-destruction properties have great application prospects in the field of plant disease management. Full article
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14 pages, 2949 KiB  
Article
Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-90-Based Pesticide Smart-Delivery System with Enhanced Antimicrobial Performance
by You Liang, Sijin Wang, Hongqiang Dong, Siwen Yu, Huijuan Jia, Jin Wang, Yijia Yao, Yuanfeng Wang, Jiehui Song and Zhongyang Huo
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3622; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203622 - 15 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Multimodal antimicrobial technology is regarded as a promising strategy for controlling plant diseases because it enhances antimicrobial efficacy by blocking multiple pesticide-resistance pathways. In this work, a pH-responsive multimodal antimicrobial system was constructed based on ZIF-90 for the controlled release of kasugamycin (KSM). [...] Read more.
Multimodal antimicrobial technology is regarded as a promising strategy for controlling plant diseases because it enhances antimicrobial efficacy by blocking multiple pesticide-resistance pathways. In this work, a pH-responsive multimodal antimicrobial system was constructed based on ZIF-90 for the controlled release of kasugamycin (KSM). A series of physicochemical characterizations confirmed the successful fabrication of ZIF-90-KSM. The results indicated that the loading capacity of ZIF-90-KSM for KSM was approximately 6.7% and that the ZIF-90 nanocarriers could protect KSM against photodegradation effectively. The acid pH at the site of disease not only decompose the Schiff base bonds between KSM and ZIF-90, but also completely dissolved the nanocarriers. The simultaneous release of KSM and Zn2+ ions was able to achieve multimodal antimicrobial functions during disease occurs. A bioactivity survey indicated that ZIF-90-KSM had superior fungicidal activity and longer duration against Magnaporthe oryzae than KSM aqueous solution. In addition, the phytotoxicity assessment of ZIF-90-KSM on rice plants did not reveal any adverse effects. Therefore, ZIF-90-KSM prepared by Schiff base reaction has great potential for achieving synergistic antifungal functions and provides an eco-friendly approach to manage rice diseases. Full article
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12 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Nanoencapsulation of Acetamiprid by Sodium Alginate and Polyethylene Glycol Enhanced Its Insecticidal Efficiency
by Asgar Ebadollahi, Bita Valizadeh, Saleh Panahandeh, Hadiseh Mirhosseini, Maryam Zolfaghari and Tanasak Changbunjong
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 2971; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12172971 - 27 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Nanoformulation has been considered one of the newly applied methods in integrated pest management strategies. In this research, a conventional neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid was nanoencapsulated via AL (Sodium Alginate) and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) and tested against the elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola. [...] Read more.
Nanoformulation has been considered one of the newly applied methods in integrated pest management strategies. In this research, a conventional neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid was nanoencapsulated via AL (Sodium Alginate) and PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) and tested against the elm leaf beetle Xanthogaleruca luteola. The synthesized particles had spherical-like morphology and nanoscale based on TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering). The encapsulation efficiency and loading percentages of acetamiprid in AL and PEG were 92.58% and 90.15%, and 88.46% and 86.79%, respectively. Leaf discs treated with different formulations by the leaf-dipping method were used for oral toxicity assays. The LC50 values (Lethal Concentration to kill 50% of insect population) of acetamiprid and Al- and PEG-nanoencapsulated formulations on third-instar larvae were 0.68, 0.04, and 0.08 ppm, respectively. Based on the highest relative potency, AL-encapsulated acetamiprid had the most toxicity. The content of energy reserve protein, glucose, and triglyceride and the activity of detoxifying enzymes esterase and glutathione S-transferase of the larvae treated by LC50 values of nanoformulations were also decreased. According to the current findings, the nanoencapsulation of acetamiprid by Al and PEG can increase its insecticidal performance in terms of lethal and sublethal toxicity. Full article
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14 pages, 3369 KiB  
Article
Construction of Prochloraz-Loaded Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Coated with Metal–Phenolic Networks for Precise Release and Improved Biosafety of Pesticides
by Liyin Shi, Qianwei Liang, Qikai Zang, Ze Lv, Xiaohan Meng and Jianguo Feng
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12162885 - 22 Aug 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2214
Abstract
Currently, environmental-responsive pesticide delivery systems have become an essential way to improve the effective utilization of pesticides. In this paper, by using hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) as a nanocarrier and TA-Cu metal–phenolic networks as a capping agent, a pH-responsive controlled release nano-formulation loaded [...] Read more.
Currently, environmental-responsive pesticide delivery systems have become an essential way to improve the effective utilization of pesticides. In this paper, by using hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) as a nanocarrier and TA-Cu metal–phenolic networks as a capping agent, a pH-responsive controlled release nano-formulation loaded with prochloraz (Pro@HMS-TA-Cu) was constructed. The structure and properties of Pro@HMS-TA-Cu were adequately characterised and analysed. The results showed that the loading content of Pro@HMS-TA-Cu nanoparticles was about 17.7% and the Pro@HMS-TA-Cu nanoparticles exhibited significant pH-responsive properties. After a coating of the TA-Cu metal–phenolic network, the contact angle and adhesion work of Pro@HMS-TA-Cu nanoparticles on the surface of oilseed rape leaves after 360 s were 59.6° and 107.2 mJ·m−2, respectively, indicating that the prepared nanoparticles possessed excellent adhesion. In addition, the Pro@HMS-TA-Cu nanoparticles demonstrated better antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and lower toxicity to zebrafish compared to prochloraz technical. Hence, the pH-responsive nanoparticles prepared with a TA-Cu metal–phenolic network as a capping agent are highly efficient and environmentally friendly, providing a new approach for the development of new pesticide delivery systems. Full article
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18 pages, 6859 KiB  
Article
Design and Preparation of Avermectin Nanopesticide for Control and Prevention of Pine Wilt Disease
by Yanxue Liu, Yiwu Zhang, Xin Xin, Xueying Xu, Gehui Wang, Shangkun Gao, Luqin Qiao, Shuyan Yin, Huixiang Liu, Chunyan Jia, Weixing Shen, Li Xu, Yingchao Ji and Chenggang Zhou
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1863; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12111863 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1919
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a devastating forest disaster caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which has brought inestimable economic losses to the world’s forestry due to lack of effective prevention and control measures. In this paper, a porous structure CuBTC was designed to deliver [...] Read more.
Pine wilt disease is a devastating forest disaster caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which has brought inestimable economic losses to the world’s forestry due to lack of effective prevention and control measures. In this paper, a porous structure CuBTC was designed to deliver avermectin (AM) and a control vector insect Japanese pine sawyer (JPS) of B. xylophilus, which can improve the biocompatibility, anti-photolysis and delivery efficacy of AM. The results illustrated the cumulative release of pH-dependent AM@CuBTC was up to 12 days (91.9%), and also effectively avoided photodegradation (pH 9.0, 120 h, retention 69.4%). From the traceable monitoring experiment, the AM@CuBTC easily penetrated the body wall of the JPS larvae and was transmitted to tissue cells though contact and diffusion. Furthermore, AM@CuBTC can effectively enhance the cytotoxicity and utilization of AM, which provides valuable research value for the application of typical plant-derived nerve agents in the prevention and control of forestry pests. AM@CuBTC as an environmentally friendly nanopesticide can efficiently deliver AM to the larval intestines where it is absorbed by the larvae. AM@CuBTC can be transmitted to the epidemic wood and dead wood at a low concentration (10 mg/L). Full article
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14 pages, 2628 KiB  
Article
A Star Polyamine-Based Nanocarrier Delivery System for Enhanced Avermectin Contact and Stomach Toxicity against Green Peach Aphids
by Yanxiao Yang, Qinhong Jiang, Min Peng, Ziyi Zhou, Xiangge Du, Meizhen Yin, Jie Shen and Shuo Yan
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091445 - 23 Apr 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
The unscientific application of synthesized/botanical pesticides has not only brought the resistance of plant pathogens and pests, but also led to serious environmental pollution. In recent years, various nano-delivery systems have been used for the development of environmental-friendly pesticides with improved efficacy. Herein, [...] Read more.
The unscientific application of synthesized/botanical pesticides has not only brought the resistance of plant pathogens and pests, but also led to serious environmental pollution. In recent years, various nano-delivery systems have been used for the development of environmental-friendly pesticides with improved efficacy. Herein, the current study constructed an efficient avermectin B1a (AVM) nano-delivery system based on a star polyamine (SPc) and focused on the characterization and bioactivity of SPc-loaded AVM at various mass ratios. The hydroxyl groups of AVM could assemble with carbonyl groups of SPc through hydrogen bond and van der Waals forces, and the self-assembly of AVM and SPc formed nearly spherical particles of AVM/SPc complex with nanoscale size. The contact angle of SPc-loaded AVM decreased with the increasing mass ratio of SPc, revealing the easier distribution and spreading of the AVM/SPc complex. Furthermore, the stomach and contact toxicity of AVM/SPc complex also increased along with the increasing SPc mass ratio, which could be attributed to the enhanced systemic transportation in plants, enlarged contact area to insect pests and stronger permeability across the insect cuticle. The current study provides an efficient nano-delivery system for increasing stomach and contact toxicity of pesticides with wide applications in the agricultural field. Full article
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Review

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14 pages, 780 KiB  
Review
Multifunctional Nanoparticles and Nanopesticides in Agricultural Application
by Jiaming Yin, Xiaofeng Su, Shuo Yan and Jie Shen
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071255 - 02 Apr 2023
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3167
Abstract
The unscientific application of pesticides can easily cause a series of ecological environmental safety issues, which seriously restrict the sustainable development of modern agriculture. The great progress in nanotechnology has allowed the continuous development of plant protection strategies. The nanonization and delivery of [...] Read more.
The unscientific application of pesticides can easily cause a series of ecological environmental safety issues, which seriously restrict the sustainable development of modern agriculture. The great progress in nanotechnology has allowed the continuous development of plant protection strategies. The nanonization and delivery of pesticides offer many advantages, including their greater absorption and conduction by plants, improved efficacy, reduced dosage, delayed resistance, reduced residues, and protection from natural enemies and beneficial insects. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in multifunctional nanoparticles and nanopesticides. The definition of nanopesticides, the types of nanoparticles used in agriculture and their specific synergistic mechanisms are introduced, their safety is evaluated, and their future application prospects, about which the public is concerned, are examined. Full article
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