Continuous-Flow Nanoprecipitation Method to Synthesize Degradable Hollow Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles for Insecticide Delivery

Degradable mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONPs) are attracting significant attention in the area of designing smart drug carriers mainly due to their excellent stability and multiple functions. However, the efficient, controllable, and large-scale production of MONPs still faces huge challenges. Herein, a novel and facile continuous-flow nanoprecipitation strategy was reported to synthesize hollow MONPs with highly uniform and tailored properties. The synthesized hollow MONPs possessed a large surface area (S-BET > 1070.1 m(2) g(-1)), narrow size distribution, large hollow cavity, and thin shell. Interestingly, the incorporation of organic moieties into silica cross-linked networks led to the timely degradation of nanocarriers with the desired responsiveness. Moreover, the applicability of the as-obtained hollow MONPs has been demonstrated in the loading and pH-responsive release of thiamethoxam (THI). The resultant THI-loaded MONPs possessed long-term storage stability at a low temperature and showed release behaviors in response to a basic environment. Benefiting from the shielding property of MONPs, THI-loaded MONPs manifested superior stability against the photolysis as compared to that of the THI technical. This work provides a new consideration for promoting the advancement of nanotechnology in agricultural fields.

Automated summary

This study reports a novel continuous-flow nanoprecipitation strategy for synthesizing hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONPs) with highly uniform and tailored properties. The synthesized hollow nanoparticles possess a large surface area, narrow size distribution, large hollow cavity, and thin shell, and exhibit degradability through the incorporation of organic moieties. Furthermore, the potential of these hollow nanoparticles as drug carriers is demonstrated.