Nano-pesticide delivery system based on UiO-66 with pH sensitivity for precise control of Spodoptera frugiperda.

BACKGROUND Metal-organic frameworks have the advantages of easy synthesis, high loading capacity and good biocompatibility, making them essential materials for constructing pesticide nano-delivery systems. In this study, a pH-responsive nano-controlled-release formulation Chl@UiO-66 was prepared using UiO-66 as the nano-scale carrier for adsorbing chlorantraniliprole (Chl). RESULTS The appearance, pesticide loading, release behaviour, insecticidal activity, long-term control efficacy and safety of Chl@UiO-66 for non-target organisms were extensively evaluated. The results showed that the prepared Chl@UiO-66 was a regular octahedron with a uniform particle size of 230 nm and pesticide loading of 15.62%. The release of pesticides under alkaline conditions was superior to that under acidic and neutral conditions, which showed pH-responsive performance. Chl@UiO-66 had an excellent ability to protect pesticides from ultraviolet degradation. Compared with chlorantraniliprole suspension concentrate, Chl@UiO-66 had a better control effect against Spodoptera frugiperda and long-term control efficacy. The prepared nano-controlled-release formulation had low toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and human BEAS-2B cells. CONCLUSION Chl@UiO-66 is a new pesticide formulation with high efficacy and low toxicity that provides a smart controlled-release solution. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.