Smart Protein-Based Fluorescent Nanoparticles Prepared by a Continuous Nanoprecipitation Method for Pesticides' Precise Delivery and Tracing

It is highly desirable to develop smart and green pesticidenanoformulationsfor improving pesticide targeting and reducing their inherent toxicity.Herein, we demonstrate a continuous nanoprecipitation method to constructa novel type of enzyme-responsive fluorescent nanopesticides (denotedas ABM@BSA-FITC/GA NPs) based on abamectin, fluorescein isothiocyanateisomer (FITC)-modified protein, and food-grade gum arabic. The as-preparedABM@BSA-FITC/GA NPs exhibit good water dispersibility, excellent storagestability, and enhanced wettability compared to commercial formulations.The controlled release of pesticides can be achieved through proteindegradation caused by trypsin. Most importantly, the deposition, distribution,and transport of the ABM@BSA-FITC/GA NPs are precisely tracked ontarget plants (cabbage and cucumber) by fluorescence. Furthermore,the ABM@BSA-FITC/GA NPs show the high control efficacy against Plutella xylostella L., which is comparable withcommercial emulsifiable concentrate formulation. In considerationof its eco-friendly composition and absence of organic solvent, thispesticide nanoformulation has promising potential in sustainable plantprotection.

Automated summary

A novel enzyme-responsive fluorescent nanopesticide was developed using a continuous nanoprecipitation method. The nanopesticide demonstrated good water dispersibility, storage stability, and enhanced wettability compared to commercial formulations. The controlled release of pesticides was achieved through protein degradation caused by trypsin. By tracking fluorescence, the deposition, distribution, and transport of the nanopesticide on target plants were accurately monitored. Furthermore, the nanopesticide showed high control efficacy against Plutella xylostella L. and has promising potential in sustainable plant protection due to its eco-friendly composition and absence of organic solvent.