Difunctional Fluorescence Nanoparticles for Accurate Tracing of Nanopesticide Fate and Crop Protection Prepared by Flash Nanoprecipitation

Abstract

Facile fabrication of difunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for pesticide delivery and imaging is still a fascinating challenge. Here, water-dispersible difunctional NPs were developed using flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) where self-assembling amphiphilic block copolymers were used to encapsulate a highly hydrophobic model pesticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, and the fluorescent dye Nile red. The particle size (ranging from 158 to 280 nm) and fluorescence property of NPs could be controlled by varying the flow rate or Nile red feed concentration. The aggregation state and rearrangement of the dye molecules in the NPs were also investigated. IVIS imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis demonstrated that the resulting difunctional nanopesticide particles could allow accurate in situ tracking of the pesticide on the leaf surface, while effectively avoiding interference from chlorophyll autofluorescence. The difunctional NP suspension maintained high insecticidal activity and stability. This work demonstrates the feasibility and great potential of the FNP method in universal fabrication of multifunctional NPs with in situ pesticide tracing and crop protection capabilities.

Advances in Controlled-Release Pesticide Formulations with Improved Efficacy and Targetability

“…incognita. Chen et al 122 prepared water-dispersed bifunctional fluorescent nanoparticles by rapid nanoprecipitation and used them to accurately track the distribution of pesticides on the surfaces of leaves in situ while avoiding interference from chlorophyll fluorescence. The bifunctional fluorescent nanoparticle suspension had high insecticidal activity and stability, which proved that rapid nanoprecipitation is feasible and has great potential for preparation of multifunctional fluorescent nanoparticles with the ability for in situ pesticide tracing and crop protection.…”

Nano-Enable Materials Promoting Sustainability and Resilience in Modern Agriculture

“…The development, feasibility, and potential of the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method in the universal fabrication of multifunctional NPs with in situ pesticide tracing and crop protection capabilities was discussed by Chen and co-workers [ 32 ]. Among the numerous preparation strategies, FNP has several advantages, including a quick and continuous assembly process, efficient encapsulation rate, and controllable particle size [ 33 ].…”

“…Fluorescence measurements were used to reveal the internal aggregation state and rearrangement of molecules in the NPs. High-resolution IVIS imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed the deposition and distribution of NPs on leaves could be visualized while avoiding undesirable autofluorescence [ 32 ]. Similarly, the formulation of abamectin nanopesticide having extended photostability and sustained release was realized by using the continuous and scalable FNP technique.…”

“…The optimized formulations not only showed improved photostability compared to free abamectin but also obtained more sustained release behaviors in a controlled manner [ 34 ]. FNP is a novel and promising approach for the preparation of bifunctional nanopesticides, which may be extended to other pesticides and fluorescence dyes to achieve superior formulations and fulfill massive potential applications in plant science [ 32 ].…”

Metal–Organic Framework (UiO-66)-Based Pesticide Delivery System for Effective Deltamethrin Loading and Sustained Pesticide Release

“…The Guo group prepared a lambda-cyhalothrin nanoformulation using the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method, which has good stability and high insecticidal activity. 18 Wang and colleagues prepared a polylactic acid-modified graphene oxide (PLA-GO) nanocarrier for the delivery of pyraclostrobin (Pyr). 19 They found that PLA-GO can improve the water solubility of Pyr and exhibits temperature-responsive controlled-release performance, which can effectively improve the control effect of Pry on plant diseases.…”