Temperature and pH-dependent nanogel for smart pesticide delivery with enhanced foliar dispersion and washout resistance can effectively control multiple plant diseases

The utilization of nanomaterials to develop a system capable of regulating pesticide release in response to environmental cues, enhancing the deposition efficacy on plant leaves, and increasing resistance against rainwater erosion holds immense significance in improving the efficiency of pesticide usage while minimizing residual pollution. Cellulose-based green nanocomposites have emerged as a promising candidate for intelligent drug delivery systems. In this study, we had successfully developed a novel biocompatible interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel, named SPCs, by incorporating sodium alginate (SA), polydopamine (PDA), and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and a stable gel-like network structure emulsion (MJ@SPCs) was achieved by coating the pesticide azoxystrobin (MJ). The resulting MJ@SPCs exhibited excellent pH responsiveness and temperature sensitivity. Compared to free MJ, MJ@SPCs exhibited improved foliar wettability, rain erosion resistance, deposition rate, and controlled release performance. The results of the bacteriostatic performance test indicated that MJ@SPCs exhibited a higher inhibitory efficiency against Gibperella zeae (GZ) than MJ at equivalent concentrations. Moreover, the in vivo biosafety evaluation of MJ@SPCs had confirmed its relative safety for aquatic zebrafish. This study offers insights into the potential applications of nanopesticides for sustainable plant protection.