Scientists from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed new silica nanoparticles that significantly enhance the adhesion of pesticides to crops. Their research addresses a critical issue in agriculture, where up to 90% of traditional pesticide sprays can wash away or degrade.
In a study published in the Journal of Controlled Release, the team created hollow, rough-surfaced silica nanoparticles designed to mimic the pili, hair-like structures found in gut bacteria. These nanoparticles are loaded with imidacloprid, a widely used insecticide.
According to researcher Wang Guozhong, when the nanoparticles are sprayed onto waxy leaf surfaces, they act like anchors, locking in place and forming chemical hydrogen bonds. This “double grip” mechanism helps to prevent the pesticide from being washed away by rain, resists UV damage, and allows for a slow release of the active ingredient.
In trials conducted on cotton, soybean, and tomato plants subjected to simulated rainfall, the new nanoparticle formulation retained more than 4.8 times the amount of pesticide compared to existing commercial imidacloprid products.
Safety assessments involving plants and zebrafish revealed no significant harm, suggesting that this innovation could lead to more eco-friendly alternatives for pesticides, utilizing lower doses while maintaining high efficiency.
