Fe-based metal-organic frameworks modified with carboxymethyl cellulose for targeted pesticide delivery and reducing biotoxicity

Traditional pesticide formulations have issues such as poor targeting, low adhesion performance, and a tendency to leach into the environment, causing pollution. In this study, a pesticide delivery platform (PRO@FeMOFs@CMC) with a dual response was designed by encapsulating prochloraz technical (PRO) within Fe-based metal–organic frameworks (FeMOFs) and using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the gatekeeper. The results showed that PRO@FeMOFs@CMC exhibited a loading capacity of 28.86 % for PRO and efficient adhesion to wheat and rice leaves. This delivery platform showed a significant increase in the release of PRO under environments similar to that produced by a pathogen infection, involving cellulase and glutathione (GSH). Importantly, compared to prochloraz suspension concentrate (PRO@SC), PRO@FeMOFs@CMC exhibited higher fungicidal efficacy against Rhizoctonia cereali and Rhizoctonia solani and its acute toxicity to zebrafish and earthworms was reduced by 3.7 times and 8.6 times, respectively. Compared to PRO@SC, the cells treated with PRO@FeMOFs@CMC had higher cell viability and a significantly reduced apoptosis rate, demonstrating greater safety. Additionally, FeMOFs@CMC showed no evident toxicity to wheat and rice. In summary, PRO@FeMOFs@CMC is an efficient and safe pesticide controlled-release system for the sustainable management of wheat and rice diseases.