ROS-responsive cinnamaldehyde-based delivery system for targeted delivery and controlled release of avermectin

ROS-triggered release of avermectin from cinnamaldehyde-based delivery system; • Enhanced insecticidal efficacy against Plutella xylostella larvae; • Improved leaf adhesion and favorable plant safety profile; • Stable carriers with high drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency. To achieve precise delivery and controlled release of pesticides, this study designed and developed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nano-pesticide triggered by the excessively high ROS levels in pests, enabling precise and efficient control of target pests. Using the natural compound cinnamaldehyde as the core, an ROS-responsive amphiphilic small molecule was synthesized, and hydrophobic pesticide avermectin-loaded micelle suspension were successfully prepared through self-assembly. Characterization results showed that the avermectin-loaded micelle suspension had an average particle size of 136.0 nm, a drug loading capacity of 17.78 ± 0.13%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 77.05 ± 0.55%, significantly enhancing the adhesion of pesticides to leaf surfaces. In vitro release experiments confirmed that under micelle suspension, the cumulative release rate was minimal over 50 h, while under simulated high ROS conditions in pests, the cumulative release rate reached 86.02% ± 1.69% over 50 h. Indoor bioassays demonstrated that the micelle suspension exhibited superior efficacy against Plutella xylostella larvae compared to conventional pesticides. Plant safety experiments indicated that the micelle suspension possesses favorable safety profiles. Download: Download high-res image (140KB) Download: Download full-size image This study develops a ROS-responsive pesticide delivery system using self-assembled cinnamaldehyde-based amphiphilic molecules. Upon ingestion by Plutella xylostella larvae, elevated ROS triggers the release of abamectin, leading to efficient pest control.