Abstract
In the present research, photo-responsive controlled-release hexaconazole (Hex) nanoparticles (Nps) were successfully prepared with azobenzene (Azo)-modified bimodal mesoporous silica (BMMs), in which β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was capped onto the BMMs-Azo surface via host–guest interactions (Hex@BMMs/Azo/β-CD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the nanoparticles had a spherical structure, and their average diameter determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was found to be 387.2 ± 3.8 nm. X-ray powder-diffraction analysis and N2-adsorption measurements indicated that Hex was loaded into the pores of the mesoporous structure, but the structure of the mesoporous composite was not destroyed. The loading capacity of Hex@BMMs/Azo/β-CD nanoparticles for Hex was approximately 27.3%. Elemental components of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Ultraviolet–visible-light (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy tests showed that the azophenyl group in BMMs-Azo undergoes effective and reversible cis-trans isomerization under UV–Vis irradiation. Hex@BMMs/Azo/β-CD Nps exhibited excellent light-sensitive controlled-release performance. The release of Hex was much higher under UV irradiation than that in the dark, which could be demonstrated by the bioactivity test. The nanoparticles also displayed excellent pH-responsive properties, and the sustained-release curves were described by the Ritger–Peppas release kinetic model. BMMs nanocarriers had good biological safety and provided a basis for the development of sustainable agriculture in the future.
Highlights
This study provides a new method of improving the utilization efficiency of pesticides and reducing environmental pollution
The particle sizes, zeta-potential values, and polydispersity index (PDI) were further measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis (Table 1)
After Hex was loaded and the mesopore surface was grafted with Azo/β-CD, the average particle size of Nps increased from 269.8 ± 6.8 nm (BMMs) to 387.2 ± 3.8 nm (Hex@bimodal mesoporous silica (BMMs)/Azo/β-CD)
Summary
Pesticides are considered the most effective way to control pests and diseases in farmland, and improve agricultural productivity [1]. With the rise of nanotechnology in the agricultural field, slow- and controlled-release pesticides have been rapidly developed [5,6,7]. Environmental stimulus-responsive systems, such as pH- [8,9,10], redox- [11,12], temperature- [13,14], enzyme- [15,16], and ultraviolet (UV)-light-responsive [17,18] materials have been developed for triggered pesticide release, which can improve the utilization rate of pesticides and reduce environmental pollution
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