Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive delivery of chlorantraniliprole by a nanoscale metal-phenolic network for systemic control of rice striped stem borer

BACKGROUND: Rice striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis), a major lepidopteran pest affecting rice ecosystems, poses a severe threat to global rice production and food security. The internal feeding behavior of larvae, which bore into stems, limits the efficacy of conventional insecticide sprays in reaching target sites and achieving lasting control. Developing a responsive nano-delivery system to enable precise, systemic insecticide release for sustained larvae control represents a highly promising strategy. RESULTS: Herein, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive metal-phenolic network-based chlorantraniliprole (CAP) nano-delivery system (CAP@TF-PEG) was successfully constructed, inspired by plant-herbivore interaction signaling. CAP@TF-PEG exhibited improved foliar wetting, enhanced phloem-mediated systemic mobility within rice plants, and improved insecticidal persistence and field control efficacy compared with conventional formulations. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that this delivery strategy strengthened the inhibitory effect of CAP on insect cuticle synthesis. Importantly, CAP@TF-PEG showed excellent biosafety to zebrafish and cells. Notably, it maintained soil ecological stability without compromising microbial diversity, underscoring its significant potential for commercial application. It also promoted rice root growth, offering a multi-functional approach to crop protection. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of targeted pest control and plant growth promotion offers a highly promising strategy for achieving efficient, sustainable, and ecologically compatible crop protection.