Bioactivity, Uptake, and Distribution of Prothioconazole Loaded on Fluorescent Double-Hollow Shelled Mesoporous Silica in Soybean Plants

Abstract

Prothioconazole (PTC) has been widely utilized for plant fungal disease control, but its metabolite prothioconazoledesthio (PTC-d) exhibits reproductive toxicity. In the present study, carbon quantum dot (CQD)-modified fluorescent doublehollow shelled mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FL-MSNs) loaded with PTC, referred to as PTC@FL-MSNs, were constructed with an average size of 369 nm and a loading capacity of 28.1 wt %, which could increase the antifungal efficiency of PTC. In addition, upright fluorescence microscope and UPLC-MS/MS studies showed that PTC@FL-MSNs could be effectively transported via root uptake and foliar spray in soybean plants. Compared to a 30% PTC dispersible oil suspension agent, the PTC@FL-MSN treatment group showed higher concentrations (leaves: 0.50 > 0.48 mg/kg), longer half-lives for degradation (leaves: 3.62 > 3.21 d; roots: 3.39 > 2.82 d), and fewer metabolites. These findings suggest that sustained pesticide release and toxicity reduction are potential applications for PTC nanofungicide delivery technology.

Chitosan-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Suppression of Fusarium virguliforme in Soybeans (Glycine max)

“…17 Furthermore, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have high surface areas and pore volumes that make them particularly useful for agrochemical delivery; this has been demonstrated in tomatoes (S. lycopersicum), 24 cucumber (Cucumis sativa), 25 wheat (Triticum aestivum), 26 and soybeans (Glycine max). 27 Chitosan, an organic polysaccharide, has also been shown to increase disease resistance by initiating a signaling cascade within plants to increase their natural defense mechanisms. 28,29 In addition to the enhancement of natural defense mechanisms, chitosan has been reported to have antifungal properties that may provide protection against pathogens.…”

“…Furthermore, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have high surface areas and pore volumes that make them particularly useful for agrochemical delivery; this has been demonstrated in tomatoes (S. lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and soybeans (Glycine max) …”

Bells and Whistles on Fertilizers: Molecular Hands to Hang Nanoporous Foliar Fertilizer Reservoirs

“…6 Engineered porous silica is known to be compatible, and its transport in the plant has also been documented. 7 Engineered porous silica matrices with biopolymer encapsulation have been shown to selectively open for the root uptake signal and close to the soil carbonate ions for efficient iron supplementation. 8,9 Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are another class of porous materials with more surface area in comparison to that of porous silica.…”

“…Materials can be remarkably tuned to extended fertilizer release and bioactivity through sustainable release diffusion control and smart engineering. − Thus, organic–metal hybrid porous materials have been tested and used as carriers for agrochemicals such as fertilizers . Engineered porous silica is known to be compatible, and its transport in the plant has also been documented . Engineered porous silica matrices with biopolymer encapsulation have been shown to selectively open for the root uptake signal and close to the soil carbonate ions for efficient iron supplementation. , …”