Cyclodextrin polymer-valved MoS2-embedded mesoporous silica nanopesticides toward hierarchical targets via multidimensional stimuli of biological and natural environments

Targeted delivery of pesticides towards pests and pathogens can significantly improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pesticides and minimize the impact on the environment. Cyclodextrin polymer (CDP)-valved, benzimidazole functionalized, MoS2-embedded mesoporous silica (MoS2@MSN@CDP) nanopesticides were constructed toward hierarchical biological targets of pests, pathogens, and foliage. The splash and bounce of the aqueous droplets containing MoS2@MSN@CDP nanoparticles in the presence of Aersosol OT on superhydrophobic surfaces were well inhibited available for excellent wetting to prevent pesticides from losing to the environment. The multivalent supramolecular nanovalves between CDP and the functionalized benzimidazole moieties could be activated for the controlled release of pesticides in the cases of low pH and alpha-amylase. It is the first time to report the foliage-triggered controlled release of pesticides, owing to the competitive binding of epicuticular wax components to CDP. Furthermore, thermogenic MoS2 cores triggered the controlled release of pesticides under irradiation of near infrared light. The fungicidal efficacies of the stimuli-responsive nanopesticides against pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium graminearum were demonstrated. It is clear that the smart nanopesticides could realize the controlled release of pesticides toward hierarchical biological targets for enhanced pesticide bioavailability and efficacy via the multidimensional stimuli of pH, alpha-amylase, epicuticular waxes, and sunlight.