Smart and Sustainable Crop Protection: Design and Evaluation of a Novel α-Amylase-Responsive Nanopesticide for Effective Pest Control

In this study, an α-amylase-responsive controlled-release formulation was developed by capping polydopamine onto β-cyclodextrin-modified abamectin-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The prepared Aba@HMS@CD@PDA were subjected to characterization using various analytical techniques. The findings revealed that Aba@HMS@CD@PDA, featuring a loading rate of 18.8 wt %, displayed noteworthy release behavior of abamectin in the presence of α-amylase. In comparison to abamectin EC, Aba@HMS@CD@PDA displayed a significantly foliar affinity and improved rainfastness on lotus leaves. The results of field trail demonstrated a significantly higher control efficacy against