Mitochondrial targeting and pH‐responsive release of dual‐functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as pesticide carrier

Abstract BACKGROUND Suitable nano‐pesticide carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the utilization efficiency of pesticides. Among these, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are the most promising candidates for large‐scale and safe pesticide applications. RESULTS In the present work, functionalized MSNs were demonstrated to be effective mitochondrial‐targeted carriers for delivering strobilurin fungicides (mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors). MSNs were bi‐functionalized with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), which is pH‐responsive, and (4‐carboxybutyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP), which is mitochondrial targeting. The loading capacity of the model pesticide pyraclostrobin (Py) on the carrier reached 32%. In vitro release experiments of Py demonstrated the sustained release performance of the carriers. Co‐localization of the mitochondria and the carrier confirmed that mitochondria targeting by the nanoparticle carrier. Bioactivity assays showed superior antifungal activity of bi‐functionalized Py@MSNs‐CMC‐TPP compared to mono‐functionalized MSNs and commercial Py suspension products. Moreover, even when the concentrations of Py@MSNs‐CMC and Py commercial suspension were increased by 200% relative to Py@MSNs‐CMC‐TPP, inhibition remained lower. This indicates that the bi‐functionalized carrier reduced the required amount of Py while enhancing its utilization efficiency. CONCLUSION With the large‐scale application of mitochondrial‐targeted pesticides, such as methoxyacrylates and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, functionalized MSNs have significant potential to emerge as promising, environmentally friendly fungicide formulation. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.