Core/Shell Dual‐Responsive Nanocarriers via Iron‐Mineralized Electrostatic Self‐Assembly for Precise Pesticide Delivery

Abstract It is desirable for a simple and universal method to synthesize stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers to targeted delivery of pesticides. In this study, a novel pH‐value and laccase dual‐responsive nanopesticide system loaded with lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC) is established by iron mineralization after electrostatic self‐assembly between sodium lignosulphonate (SL) and dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC). These nanoparticles are core–shell structures in which iron mineralization plays a key role in stabilizing the nanoparticles. This synthesis strategy is suitable for encapsulating hydrophobic and low‐volatility compounds. The encapsulation of the nanocarriers prolongs the half‐life of the LC under UV irradiation by 4.4‐fold. After irradiation, the mortality of Agrotis ipsilon treated by the LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe is approximately 39% higher than that treated by emulsifiable concentrate (EC) at the concentration of 1 mg L −1 . The dual‐responsive property of lignin‐based nanoplatform to alkalinity and laccase enable cargo release on demand. Although the toxicity of EC and LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe to A. ipsilon is similar, that of LC@SL/DDBAC/Fe to Brachydanio rerio is decreased by 11.57‐fold, and the toxicity selective pressure is enhanced by 11‐fold compared with EC. The SL/DDBAC/Fe nanocarriers represent a simple preparation procedure, excellent environmental safety, and dual‐responsive release profiles and can offer a promising nanoplatform for precise pesticide delivery.