Release Of Pesticides Research Articles

Evaluation of Environment Exposure Potential of Atrazine Herbicide and Synthesis of Polymeric Controlled Release Pesticide Formulations

Evaluation of Environment Exposure Potential of Atrazine Herbicide and Synthesis of Polymeric Controlled Release Pesticide Formulations

Formulating of the sustained release of Tebuconazole pesticide using chitosan aerogel reinforced NFC/CaCO3 nanocomposite

Chitosan-based aerogels were fabricated through utilizing of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)/CaCO3 composites. Chitosan aerogel and extra three aerogels loaded different concentrations of NFC/CaCO3 were investigated to explore their release efficiency of Tebuconazole pesticides. Results obtained from ATR-FTIR showed a remarkable decline of the characterized chitosan hydroxyl group peak prolonging with appearance of new peaks assigned to the inclusion of inorganic calcium element. Also, SEM images showed chitosan aerogel with regular porous structure increased by incorporation with of NFC/CaCO3 nanocomposite, while EDS affirmed the presence of calcium element rather pristine chitosan aerogel. In addition to this, the physical characterizations showed significant improvement in swelling properties for aerogels incorporated NFC/CaCO3 nanocomposite at low ratios. Chitosan aerogel reinforced NFC/CaCO3 nanocomposite exhibited benefit on loading and release efficiency of Tebuconazole. All samples showed accessibility to column release method with fastest release at low slow rate 2 mL/min as giving chance for diffusion and solubility of ingredient, while release increase as heat increase as result of pore expansion. In conclusion, chitosan aerogels incorporated calcium carbonate showed better-sustained release of Tebuconazole pesticides than pristine chitosan aerogel. The produced aerogels loaded NFC/CaCO3 nanocomposite could be promising for controlled release of pesticides at water-streams in agriculture sector.

Hydrolyzed sewage sludge as raw bio-based material for hermetic bag production

This study aimed to assess the potential of sewage sludge, a significant residue of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), as a sustainable resource for producing a bio-based material for hermetic bags (BMHB), in order to reduce the dependency on petroleum-derived plastics. The approach involved the application of thermal hydrolysis to solubilize sewage sludge, and it systematically examined critical process parameters, including temperature (120–150 °C), residence time (1–4 h), and medium pH (6.6–10). Results revealed that alkaline thermal hydrolysis significantly enhanced biomolecule solubilization, particularly proteins (289 ± 1 mg/gVSSo), followed by humic-like substances (144 ± 6 mg/gVSSo) and carbohydrates (49 ± 2 mg/gVSSo). This condition also increased the presence of large-and medium-sized compounds, thereby enhancing BMHB mechanical resistance, with puncture resistance values reaching 63.7 ± 0.2 N/mm. Effective retention of UV light within the 280–400 nm range was also observed. All BMHB samples exhibited similar properties, including water vapor permeability (WVP) (∼3.9 g * mm/m2 * h * kPa), hydrophilicity (contact angles varied from 35.4° ± 0.3 to 64° ± 5), solubility (∼95%), and thermal stability (∼74% degradation at 700 °C). Notably, BMHB proved to be an eco-friendly packaging for acetamiprid, an agricultural pesticide, preventing direct human exposure to harmful substances. Testing indicated rapid pesticide release within 5 min of BMHB immersion in water, with only 5% of BMHB residues remaining after 20 min. Additionally, the application of this material in soil was considered safe, as it met regulatory limits for heavy metal content and exhibited an absence of microorganisms.

Temperature-Sensitive Aerogel Using Bagasse Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals/N-Isopropyl Acrylamide for Controlled Release of Pesticides.

Temperature-sensitive carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals/N-isopropyl acrylamide aerogels (CCNC-NIPAMs) were developed as novel pesticide-controlled release formulas. Ammonium persulfate (APS) one-step oxidation was used to prepare bagasse-based CCNCs, and then the monomer N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) was successfully introduced and constructed into the temperature-sensitive CCNC-NIPAMs through polymerization. The results of the zeta potential measurement and Fourier infrared transform spectrum (FTIR) show that the average particle size of the CCNCs was 120.9 nm, the average surface potential of the CCNCs was -34.8 mV, and the crystallinity was 62.8%. The primary hydroxyl group on the surface of the CCNCs was replaced by the carboxyl group during oxidation. The morphology and structure of CCNC-NIPAMs were characterized via electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), compression performance, porosity analysis, and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results demonstrate that CCNC-NIPAM has a high porosity and low density, as well as good thermal stability, which is conducive to loading and releasing pesticides. In the swelling, drug loading, and controlled release process, the CCNC-NIPAM exhibited significant temperature sensitivity. Under the same NIPAM reaction amount, the equilibrium swelling rate of the CCNC-NIPAM first increased and then decreased with increasing temperature, and the cumulative drug release ratio of the CCNC-NIPAM at 39 °C was significantly higher than that at 25 °C. The loading efficiency of the CCNC-NIPAM on the model drug thiamethoxam (TXM) was up to 23 wt%, and the first-order model and Korsmyer-Peppas model could be well-fitted in the drug release curves. The study provides a new method for the effective utilization of biomass and pesticides.

PH/cellulase dual environmentally responsive nano-metal organic frameworks for targeted delivery of pesticides and improved biosafety

Environmentally responsive pesticide nanocarriers can respond to the metabolites of pathogenic fungi as well as the soil microenvironment to achieve intelligent release of pesticides. In this work, a smart pH and cellulase dual environmentally responsive pesticide delivery system (Tebu@ZnMOFs@CMC) was constructed by combining carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and Zn-based metal–organic frameworks (ZnMOFs), which are loaded with tebuconazole (Tebu). Physicochemical characterization indicates the successful preparation of Tebu@ZnMOFs@CMC nanoparticles. The Tebu loading capacity was approximately 18.26%. Release simulations showed a higher cumulative release of Tebu under acidic and cellulase-promoted conditions. The surface coverage of carboxymethyl cellulose could effectively improve its spread on wheat and rice leaves. Compared with tebuconazole suspension concentrate (Tebu@SC) and tebuconazole technical, Tebu@ZnMOFs@CMC nanoparticles showed higher antifungal activity. It also had lower acute toxicity to zebrafish, Daphnia magna and earthworms, and no significant effect on wheat and rice. Thus, the dual environmentally responsive Tebu@ZnMOFs@CMC nanoparticles have great potential for achieving on-demand and targeted pesticide delivery.

Temperature and pH-dependent nanogel for smart pesticide delivery with enhanced foliar dispersion and washout resistance can effectively control multiple plant diseases

The utilization of nanomaterials to develop a system capable of regulating pesticide release in response to environmental cues, enhancing the deposition efficacy on plant leaves, and increasing resistance against rainwater erosion holds immense significance in improving the efficiency of pesticide usage while minimizing residual pollution. Cellulose-based green nanocomposites have emerged as a promising candidate for intelligent drug delivery systems. In this study, we had successfully developed a novel biocompatible interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel, named SPCs, by incorporating sodium alginate (SA), polydopamine (PDA), and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and a stable gel-like network structure emulsion (MJ@SPCs) was achieved by coating the pesticide azoxystrobin (MJ). The resulting MJ@SPCs exhibited excellent pH responsiveness and temperature sensitivity. Compared to free MJ, MJ@SPCs exhibited improved foliar wettability, rain erosion resistance, deposition rate, and controlled release performance. The results of the bacteriostatic performance test indicated that MJ@SPCs exhibited a higher inhibitory efficiency against Gibperella zeae (GZ) than MJ at equivalent concentrations. Moreover, the in vivo biosafety evaluation of MJ@SPCs had confirmed its relative safety for aquatic zebrafish. This study offers insights into the potential applications of nanopesticides for sustainable plant protection.

Preparation of nanoliposomes containing the extracts of Eleocharis dulcis corm-peels and ascertaining their aphidicidal activity against Megoura crassicauda and Acyrthosiphon pisum

Nanotechnology can improve the stability, slow release, and effectiveness of botanical pesticides. Eleocharis dulcis peel extract (EDPE) was found to have a potent aphidicidal activity in our past study. In order to increase its properties, EDPE nanoliposomes was prepared and its aphidicidal activity was also tested. The optimal preparation process of EDPE nanoliposomes was determined by single-factor examination and Box-Behnken response surface test design as soybean lecithin: cholesterol: EDP extract mass ratio of was 5:4.1:1, medium PBS pH of 7.3, hydration temperature of 45 °C, and chloroform as the organic solvent; the encapsulation ratio of EDPE nanoliposomes prepared by using the optimal prescription was 90.67%. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy results showed that the nanoliposomes were round or ova; and the particle size was 222.55 ± 2.59 nm; the polydispersity index was 0.11 ± 0.03; the zeta potential was − 4.78 ± 2.61 mV. The stability test showed that the EDPE nanoliposomes had good stability within 60 d. EDPE nanoliposomes showed potent aphidicidal activity, and the LC50 were 136.59 and 83.99 mg/L for 48 and 72 h against Megoura crassicauda, respectively; and 315.78 and 154.34 mg/L against Acyrthosiphon pisum, respectively, higher than that of matrine. In addition, compared to non-capsulated EDPE, EDPE nano-liposomes improved both aphidicidal activity and the effective period. It follows then that EDPE nanoliposomes have the potential to be developed into botanical aphicides.

Airborne Pesticides from Agricultural Practices: A Critical Review of Pathways, Influencing Factors, and Human Health Implications.

This critical review examines the release of pesticides from agricultural practices into the air, with a focus on volatilization, and the factors influencing their dispersion. The review delves into the effects of airborne pesticides on human health and their contribution to anthropogenic air pollution. It highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary research encompassing science, technology, public policy, and agricultural practices to effectively mitigate the risks associated with pesticide volatilization and spray dispersion. The text acknowledges the need for more research to understand the fate and transport of airborne pesticides, develop innovative application technologies, improve predictive modeling and risk assessment, and adopt sustainable pest management strategies. Robust policies and regulations, supported by education, training, research, and development, are crucial to ensuring the safe and sustainable use of pesticides for human health and the environment. By providing valuable insights, this review aids researchers and practitioners in devising effective and sustainable solutions for safeguarding human health and the environment from the hazards of airborne pesticides.

Chitosan-Delivered Chlorantraniliprole for Pest Control: Preparation Optimization, Deposition Behavior, and Application Potential.

Chitosan has emerged as a promising biopolymer carrier for the sustained release of pesticides owing to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. In this work, a controlled-release formulation of insecticide chlorantraniliprole was fabricated through coprecipitation-based synchronous encapsulation with chitosan, where the optimum preparation conditions, storage stability, deposition behavior, and application potential were investigated. Preparation of optimization data from response surface methodology showed high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9875 and adjusted coefficient (Radj2) of 0.9715. The resulting formulation displayed good loading content of 28.39%, high encapsulation efficiency of 75.71%, and good storage stability. Compared with the commercial suspension concentrate, the formulation exhibited better wettability and retention behaviors on plant leaves. Excitingly, effective control against one species of mealybug genus Paraputo Laing (outside the killing spectrum) on the Hippeastrum reticulatum plant was successfully achieved by spraying the controlled-release formulation at different time intervals. This work indicates the good potential of the developed formulation in expanding the application scope of chlorantraniliprole, which shows a new strategy for sustainable pest management.

Biodegradable Polymer‐Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF) Composites for Controlled and Sustainable Pesticide Delivery

AbstractDue to high surface area, loading capacity, and selectivity, Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have shown much promise recently for potential applications in extraction and delivery of agrochemicals for environmental remediation and sustainable release, respectively. However, application of MOFs for pesticide delivery in wider agricultural context can be restricted by their granular form. Herein, an alternative approach is studied using biodegradable polymer‐MOF composites to address this limitation. The loading and release of a widely used pesticide, 2,4‐dichloropheoxycetic acid (2,4‐D), is studied using two MOFs, UiO‐66 and UiO‐66‐NH2, and the 2,4‐D‐loaded MOFs are incorporated into biodegradable polycaprolactone composites for convenient handling and minimizing runoff. The MOFs are loaded by in‐situ, and post‐synthetic methods, and characterised thoroughly to ensure successful synthesis and loading of 2,4‐D. The pesticide release studies are performed on the MOFs and composites in distilled water, and analysed using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, demonstrating sustained‐release of 2,4‐D over 16 days. The loaded MOF samples show high loading capacity, with up to 45 wt% for the in‐situ loaded UiO‐66. Release kinetics show more sustained release of 2,4‐D from UiO‐66‐NH2 compared to UiO‐66, which can be due to supramolecular interactions between the NH2 group of UiO‐66‐NH2 and 2,4‐D. This is further supported by computational studies.

A timing self-cleaning nanoherbicide: Design of triple-structure nanovectors for weed control and pesticide residues treatment

Pesticide residues treatment is a crucial issue for both agricultural production and environmental protection. In recent years, designing self-cleaning nanoformulations has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing pesticide residues in a convenient and cost-effective manner. However, traditional physical blending methods of photodegradation reagents with nanocarriers have limitations in terms of pesticide residue degradation efficiency and active ingredient efficacy. Here, a new type of timing self-cleaning nanoherbicide dicamba@mSiO2/ATA/TiO2 with a triple structure was fabricated. Dicamba, a widely used herbicide that was attracting increasing concern over its high efficiency and broad spectrum, was selected as the model herbicide and loaded on the mSiO2 shell. In the stage of pesticide release, the TiO2 and dicamba were separated by the timing-barrier. Therefore, the efficacy of dicamba was not affected by the photocatalyst. During the release process, the ATA layer continuously absorbed the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by TiO2 and was gradually degraded. Finally, the barrier was destroyed, and the residual dicamba in the carrier was degraded by TiO2. Compared with the traditional physical blending method, this triple structure avoided the degradation of active ingredients by photocatalysts during the pesticide release period. The experimental results suggested that this nanoformulation improved the efficacy of the herbicide, and reduced the pesticide residues, providing a new approach for self-cleaning nanopesticides research.

Smart controlled-release avermectin nanopesticides based on metal–organic frameworks with large pores for enhanced insecticidal efficacy

Nanopestcides based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted great attention. Highly stable mesoporous metal–organic framework PCN-777 with large pores can accommodate the biologically active insecticide avermectin (AVM) of relatively large molecular dimensions. In this work, PCN-777 nanoparticles were synthesized for the creation of double-gated nanopesticides with sodium lignosulfonate (SL) and chitosan. The double gatekeepers could realize excellent sealing performance to prevent premature leakage of AVM. The double-gated PCN-777 based nanopesticides could achieve the controlled release of AVM in response to pH, laccase, phosphate, and phytic acid (PA), which are related to the physiological environments of pests and crops. The PA-triggered controlled release of loaded cargos in MOF-based delivery systems was reported for the first time. This is the first example of PCN-777 drug/pesticide delivery system and also the first case of controlled-release MOF-based AVM nanopesticides, and the mechanisms of the stimuli-responsive controlled pesticide release were clearly elucidated. The nanopesticides prevented the ultraviolet photolysis of AVM owing to the PCN-777 organic ligands and SL coating. The nanopesticides had high insecticidal efficacy and field control efficacy against the pests Spodoptera litura Fabricius on cabbage, in comparison with traditional pesticide formulations, and the nanopesticides had no influence on plant growth and showed high biosafety toward non-target organisms and human cells. The smart controlled-release nanopesticides show high potential and application prospect in ecological agriculture.

Rotenone nanoparticles based on mesoporous silica to improve the stability, translocation and insecticidal activity of rotenone.

Nanotechnology has been widely applied for pesticide carriers, which is an important way to improve the utilization, stability, and sustained release of pesticides. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are a nanomaterial with adjustable particle and pore sizes, with a high specific surface area and good biocompatibility. Rotenone is a non-systemic botanical insecticide that is easily degraded in the environment. We used a modified soft-template method to prepare MSNs, in which rotenone was loaded using the solvent evaporation method. The prepared rotenone nanopesticide based on mesoporous silica showed considerable drug loading rates of 33.2%. Moreover, the prepared rotenone nanoparticles showed improved photostability and sustained release behavior, which improved the translocation of rotenone in tomato plants. Finally, the rotenone nanoparticles displayed superior insecticidal activity compared to traditional preparations. In summary, the rotenone nanopesticide improved the persistence and utilization rates of rotenone. These findings are of significance in reducing pesticide usage, mitigating environmental pollution, and ensuring food safety.

Degradable PDA@PNIPAM-TA Nanocomposites for Temperature- and NIR light-Controlled Pesticide Release.

Controlled pesticide delivery systems offer many distinctive advantages over conventional pesticide formulations. In this work, degradable poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-tannic acid (TA) microgels and multifunctional PDA@PNIPAM-TA nanocomposites were prepared in a high-gravity rotating packed bed reactor (RPB) for smart pesticide delivery and release. The as-prepared microgels and nanocomposites showed reversible temperature-dependent swelling/deswelling behavior and irreversible pH-induced degradation. A dynamic contact angle test suggested that the introduction of TA and PDA into the PNIPAM matrix could enhance foliar adhesion and deposition efficiency. The nanocomposites were further used for the encapsulation and delivery of imidacloprid (IMI) to protect it from rapid photolysis and improve its pest-control efficiency. Their thermoresponsive behavior as well as pesticide loading capacity could be tuned by tailoring the PNIPAM-TA shell thickness, which could be varied by the NIPAM amount. The release rate of IMI from the core/shell nanocomposites was positively correlated with environmental temperature and near-infrared (NIR) light, which was adaptive to the positive temperature-dependent toxicity correlation of IMI and the increasing trend of pests under high temperature. The cumulative release of IMI was 23.5% at 25 °C, while it was 81.2% at 40 °C after 24 h of incubation, and the release rate was greatly enhanced under NIR irradiation. The results indicated that the facile control of pesticide release could be realized by regulating environmental conditions. This work also provides an idea for using high-gravity technology to conveniently construct a smart, effective, and environmentally friendly pesticide delivery system for sustainable crop protection.

Flow-through electrochemical organophosphorus degradation and phosphorus recovery: The essential role of chlorine radical

Phosphorus scarcity and the deleterious ecological impact of the release of organophosphorus pesticides have emerged as critical global issues. Previous research has shown the ability of electrochemistry to induce the precipitation of calcium phosphate from phosphorus-laden wastewater to recover the phosphorus. The current study presents a flow-through electrochemical system consisting of a column-shaped electrochemical reactor, a tubular stainless-steel (SS) cathode, and a titanium suboxides (TiSO) anode. This system simultaneously oxidizes tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) and recycles phosphates. The influence of current density, flow rate, and initial calcium ions concentration were examined under continuous flow operation. To enhance the electrochemical reactor's performance, we elevated the current density from 5 to 30 mA cm−2, which caused the phosphorus recovery efficiency to increase from 37% to 72% within 120 min, accompanied by an enhancement of the THPS mineralization efficiency from 57% to 90%. These improvements were likely due to the higher yield of reactive species chloride species (Cl•) formed at the TiSO anode and the higher local pH at the cathode. By investigating the formation of Cl• at the TiSO anode, we found that THPS mineralization exceeded 75% in the presence of NaCl at a current density of 20 mA cm−2. The demonstrated performance of the flow-through electrochemical system should enable the utilization of anodic oxidation-cathodic precipitation for the recovery of phosphorus from organophosphorus-contaminated wastewater.

Ecofriendly polysaccharide-based alginate/pluronic F127 semi-IPN hydrogel with magnetic collectability for precise release of pesticides and sustained pest control

Controlled-release systems are crucial for efficient pesticide utilization and environmental protection in agricultural production. The utilization of polysaccharide-based materials derived from biopolymers as carriers for controlling pesticide release holds significant potential. In this work, a reversible near infrared-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogel (RNPH) was fabricated by employing a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (alginate-FeIII/pluronic F127) as a carrier to encapsulate Fe3O4@polydopamine (FP) and emamectin benzoate (EB)-loaded hollow mesoporous silica. The incorporation of FP into the RNPH introduced a photothermal effect, enabling the precise release of EB through reversible shrinkage of the hydrogel upon NIR irradiation. Additionally, the presence of magnetic Fe3O4 in the system facilitated the rapid removal of remaining RNPH from the environment using a magnet, reducing EB residue. Importantly, RNPH exhibited exceptional controlled-release performance and could be reused for at least 4 cycles. Furthermore, the anti-photolysis ability of EB protected by RNPH was enhanced by 4.8 times compared to EB alone. Moreover, RNPH significantly improved the adhesion of EB to foliar surfaces, thereby reducing the loss of EB while ensuring crop safety. Therefore, the polysaccharide-based hydrogel holds promise as a versatile carrier for the precise release of EB, offering valuable applications in enhancing pesticide bioavailability and promoting environmental safety.

Enhanced Insecticidal Activity of Chlorfenapyr against Spodoptera frugiperda by Reshaping the Intestinal Microbial Community and Interfering with the Metabolism of Iron-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda) is an invasive pest that threatens global crop production and food security and poses a serious threat to maize production worldwide. Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocarriers have great potential for agricultural pest control applications. The present study successfully prepared the chemical cross-linking of iron-based metal-organic framework nanoparticles (MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 NPs) with sodium lignosulfonate (SL) as a pH/laccase double stimuli-responsive pesticide release system. The average particle size of the prepared chlorfenapyr (CF)-loaded nanoparticles (CF@MIL-101-SL NPs) was 161.54 nm, and the loading efficiency was 44.52%. Bioactivity assays showed that CF@MIL-101-SL NPs increased the toxicity of CF to S. frugiperda and caused the rupture of the peritrophic membrane and enlargement of the midgut. Data from 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that CF@MIL-101-SL treatment reduced the resistance of S. frugiperda to pesticides and pathogens and affected nutrient and energy availability by remodeling the intestinal microbiota of S. frugiperda. The dysregulated microbial community interacted with the broken peritrophic membrane, which exacerbated damage to the host. Nontargeted metabolomic results showed that ABC transporters may be a potential mechanism for the enhanced toxicity of CF@MIL-101-SL to S. frugiperda. In summary, the present study provides effective strategies for toxicological studies of nanopesticides against insects.

Eco-Efficient Systems Based on Nanocarriers for the Controlled Release of Fertilizers and Pesticides: Toward Smart Agriculture.

The excessive application of pesticides and fertilizers has generated losses in biological diversity, environmental pollution, and harmful effects on human health. Under this context, nanotechnology constitutes an innovative tool to alleviate these problems. Notably, applying nanocarriers as controlled release systems (CRSs) for agrochemicals can overcome the limitations of conventional products. A CRS for agrochemicals is an eco-friendly strategy for the ecosystem and human health. Nanopesticides based on synthetic and natural polymers, nanoemulsions, lipid nanoparticles, and nanofibers reduce phytopathogens and plant diseases. Nanoproducts designed with an environmentally responsive, controlled release offer great potential to create formulations that respond to specific environmental stimuli. The formulation of nanofertilizers is focused on enhancing the action of nutrients and growth stimulators, which show an improved nutrient release with site-specific action using nanohydroxyapatite, nanoclays, chitosan nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and amorphous calcium phosphate. However, despite the noticeable results for nanopesticides and nanofertilizers, research still needs to be improved. Here, we review the relevant antecedents in this topic and discuss limitations and future challenges.

Research Progress of a Pesticide Polymer-Controlled Release System Based on Polysaccharides.

In recent years, with the development of the nanomaterials discipline, many new pesticide drug-carrying systems-such as pesticide nano-metal particles, nano-metal oxides, and other drug-carrying materials-had been developed and applied to pesticide formulations. Although these new drug-loading systems are relatively friendly to the environment, the direct exposure of many metal nanoparticles to the environment will inevitably lead to potential effects. In response to these problems, organic nanomaterials have been rapidly developed due to their high-quality biodegradation and biocompatibility. Most of these organic nanomaterials were mainly polysaccharide materials, such as chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, β-cyclodextrin, cellulose, starch, guar gum, etc. Some of these materials could be used to carry inorganic materials to develop a temperature- or pH-sensitive pesticide drug delivery system. Herein, the pesticide drug-carrying system developed based on polysaccharide materials, such as chitosan, was referred to as the pesticide polymer drug-carrying system based on polysaccharide materials. This kind of drug-loading system could be used to protect the pesticide molecules from harsh environments, such as pH, light, temperature, etc., and was used to develop the function of a sustained release, targeted release of pesticides in the intestine of insects, and achieve the goal of precise application, reduction, and efficiency of pesticides. In this review, the recent progress in the field of polysaccharide-based polymer drug delivery systems for pesticides has been discussed, and suggestions for future development were proposed based on the current situation.

Amine-functionalized polysilsesquioxane hollow nanospheres for pH-responsive pesticide release system with UV-shielding property

Polysilsesquioxane (PSQ) hollow spheres show great potential in various fields, including catalysts, environmental protection, and drug delivery, owing to their high stability, large interior cavity, and adjustable surface chemistry. However, the fabrication of amino-functionalized PSQ hollow spheres (AHPSQ) with inherent amine groups on the surface still remains a challenge partly due to the hydrophilicity of the silane precursor. In this study, for the first time AHPSQ was fabricated via a facile sol-gel process utilizing aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and methyltrimethoxysilane as co-precursor in an ice bath. The pH-sensitive release behavior of AHPSQ was demonstrated using avermectin as a pesticide model and the release kinetics were analyzed. The artificial ultraviolet accelerated experiment confirmed that the carrier has an ultraviolet protective effect on the pesticide and can reduce the ultraviolet degradation rate.