Green and efficient delivery of pesticides throughout their life cycle via cooperative solid and solution self-assembly

Abstract

Addressing the economic and environmental challenges posed by non-target losses throughout the pesticide life cycle necessitates a simple, yet effective strategy. In this work, a cooperative solid and solution self-assembly material is developed for the eco-friendly and efficient delivery of pesticides, based on a precise design. In the solid state, supramolecular self-assembly of pesticide (herbicide, amitrole) and coformer molecules (nutrients, vanillic and sinapinic acids) occurs through non-covalent interactions, characterized by single-crystal structures. The solid self-assembly strategy enables enhanced stability, temperature-responsive controlled release and heightened rain erosion resistance. In the solution state, supramolecular assembly behavior is confirmed via spectroscopy and molecular simulations, improving wetting, retention, evaporation, UV resistance, and soil adsorption performances. Bioassays demonstrate a significant improvement in herbicidal lethality under simulated rainfall conditions in conjunction with enhanced cucumber germination and development, as well as reduced zebrafish toxicity, when comparing the cooperative strategy to pure amitrole. This cooperative self-assembly material in both solid and solution phases, featuring simple preparation, robust stability enhanced interfacial ability, temperature-responsive release, and excellent environmental safety, provides a promising approach for pesticide application, promoting sustainable, high-yield agriculture.