Preparation of a novel sustained-release system for pyrethroids by using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticle

In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), especially nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) have been arisen as potential platform for delivery and sustained-release of drug molecules due to their excellent encapsulation performance. While, NMOFs used as carriers for pesticides have rarely been reported. Nanoscale UiO-66 had the potential to be used as a pesticide carrier due to its outstanding chemical and thermal stability, non-toxic and mass-production. In this work, lambda-cyhalothrin (LC) molecules were encapsulated in the nanoscale UiO-66 ([email protected]) with ultrahigh drug loading (87.71 %) and good sustained-release property. The drug loading of [email protected] was higher than that of ever reported. [email protected] nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis measurements (TGA) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. [email protected] nanoparticles had the cubic shape with an average particle size around 270 nm. The bioassay against Musca domestica (hygiene pests) showed that [email protected] had long-term insecticidal effect compared to the free LC and commercially available microcapsules, and the insecticidal activity of [email protected] was superior to commercially available microcapsules. Furthermore, [email protected] had an effective insecticidal effect against Aphis craccivora Koch (agricultural pests). All the above results demonstrated that [email protected] had excellent insecticidal effect in both public hygiene and agriculture. This study could expand the application of NMOFs as novel carriers for pesticides.