Star Polymer-Based Nanodelivery System for Pesticides: Enhanced Broad-Spectrum Toxicity and Selective Toxicity

with the synergic ratios of 2.315 and 1.755, respectively. The possible reason might be due to the enhancement of the broad-spectrum toxicity of SPc-loaded pesticides. Importantly, the selective toxicity ratio (STR) of spirotetramat increased from 1.32 to 1.73 with the help of SPc, indicating the higher selectivity of the spirotratemat/SPc complex toward predators. Meanwhile, the safety coefficient (SC) of spirotratemat was not significantly changed after complexation with SPc, and the spirotratemat/SPc complex belonged to the medium risk pesticide. Overall, the assembly with SPc could not only improve the control efficacy of spirotetramat but also increase its selectivity as well as alleviate its negative effects on predators. The current study is beneficial for understanding the enhancement of broad-spectrum toxicity and the selective toxicity of nanocarrier-loaded pesticides.