Synthesis, antifungal evaluation, and safety assessment of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with prothioconazole against crop pathogens

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be used as carriers to prepare pesticide controlled release formulations with high pesticide loadings and reduce the negative environmental impact of pesticides. In this study, MSNs were prepared as carriers to load prothioconazole using the sol–gel method and one-pot method. The results show that the prepared MSNs had a high loading content of prothioconazole (38.8%, w/w). The release rate of MSNs loaded with prothioconazole (Prot@MSNs) was related to environmental pH and temperature. The release rate of prothioconazole was higher under weak acid and weak base conditions than under neutral conditions. The release rate increased with the increase of temperature. Compared with the prothioconazole oil dispersion, Prot@MSNs showed better antifungal activity against rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) and wheat scab (Fusarium graminearum) with a longer duration. Furthermore, Prot@MSNs showed lower toxicity to zebrafish, earthworms and BEAS-2B cells, and also alleviated the inhibitory effect of prothioconazole on rice and wheat. Therefore, Prot@MSNs has great potential for agricultural applications as an effective, environment-friendly and sustained-release pesticide formulation.