Characterization and properties of hexaconazole-loaded nanoparticles prepared by anti-solvent method

Abstract

Compared with traditional pesticides, nano-pesticides exhibit better sustained release ability and higher utilization rate. Up to now, it is still a challenging task to prepare nano-pesticides efficiently. In this study, nanoparticles (NPs) using zein and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) loaded with hexaconazole (HEX) via electrostatic self-assembly was synthesize. The particle size, ζ potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), stability, antifungal activity, spread ability and sustained release of NPs were explored. The average diameter of observed NPs was 187 nm through Dynamic Light Scattering(DLS) and Polymer Dispersity Index (PDI) showed low value (˂0.2). The NPs surface was positively charged and the ζ potential was measured at 36 mV. The morphology of NPs exhibited a spherical shape as observed by SEM. The NPs were stably stored at room temperature for at least 28 days. NPs with same HEX concentration exhibited better antifungal activity than hexaconazole wettable powder (HEX WP). Furthermore, HEX-loaded zein/CPAM NPs improved the spread ability. These results indicated that HEX-loaded zein/CPAM NPs can be used as a highly efficient antifungal material in the pesticide industry with potential applications.