A tannic acid-Cu complex coated dendritic mesoporous silica for enhancing pesticide sustain release and flush resistance on foliage

Abstract Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, yet their widespread use poses a threat to the ecosystem by causing significant environmental damage. In an effort to address this issue, a novel nanopesticide delivery system was developed, utilizing a tannic acid (TA)-Cu combination deposited onto the surface of dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs). This innovative approach aims to enhance the efficiency of pesticide utilization. The process involved incorporating Tebuconazole (Teb) into DMSNs using the one-pot sol-gel method. Subsequently, a coating was applied through the sequential addition of TA and CuCl 2 to an aqueous dispersion of Teb@DMSNs. The resulting nanopesticide, named TA@Teb@DMSNs, exhibited a spherical shape and achieved an impressive Teb loading rate of nearly 26.6%. Kinetic studies on Teb release revealed that TA@Teb@DMSNs demonstrated characteristics conducive to controlled and sustained release. The adhesion quality of TA@Teb@DMSNs on Aesculus chinensis Bunge leaves was confirmed through a comparative study with Teb@DMSNs. Additionally, when compared to Teb suspension, TA@Teb@DMSNs exhibited superior antifungal activity against Fusarium esculenta wilt over an extended period. Consequently, the TA@Teb@DMSNs constructed in this research might be used as an efficient nanopesticide formulation for advancing the sustainable development of agriculture. Graphical Abstract A novel nanopesticide delivery system is prepared by depositing of tannic acid-Cu complex on dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which effectively improves the adhesion and effective time of pesticide on the leaf.