Construction and biological effects of a redox‐enzyme dual‐responsive lufenuron nano‐controlled release formulation

Abstract Background Pesticide formulations based on nanotechnology can effectively improve the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce pesticide residues in the environment. In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing disulfide bonds were synthesized by the sol–gel method, carboxylated and adsorbed with lufenuron, and grafted with cellulose to obtain a lufenuron‐loaded nano‐controlled release formulation (Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose). Results The structure and properties of Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose were characterized. The results showed that Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose exhibits a regular spherical shape with 12.41% pesticide loading. The highest cumulative release rate (73.46%) of this pesticide‐loaded nanoparticle was observed at 7 days in the environment of glutathione and cellulase, which shows redox‐enzyme dual‐responsive performance. As a result of cellulose grafting, Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose had a small contact angle and high adhesion work on corn leaves, indicating good wetting and adhesion properties. After 14 days of spraying with 20 mg L −1 formulations in the long‐term control efficacy experiment, the mortality of Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose against Ostrinia furnacalis larvae (56.67%) was significantly higher than that of commercial Luf@EW (36.67%). Luf@MSNs‐ss‐cellulose is safer for earthworms and L02 cells. Conclusion The nano‐controlled release formulation obtained in this study achieved intelligent pesticide delivery in time and space under the environmental stimulation of glutathione and cellulase, providing an effective method for the development of novel pesticide delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.