Intelligent Biomimetic Interfacial Design of Modified Pectin-Based Pickering Emulsions for pH/Enzyme Dual-Responsive On-Demand Release of Abamectin and Efficient Targeted Control of the Asian Corn Borer

Bioinspired Pickering emulsions were fabricated via controllable oil-water interfacial self-assembly. • Pectin methyl esterification tailored particle adsorption and interfacial assembly behavior. • A particle-stabilized interface enabled synergistic pH/pectinase-responsive on-demand release of abamectin (AVM). • Interfacial engineering improved droplet stability, spreading, adhesion, and rainfastness. • Optimized emulsions achieved efficient pest control with enhanced biosafety and environmental compatibility. The Asian corn borer ( Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée ) is a major pest threatening maize production; however, the practical application of abamectin (AVM) is limited by poor environmental stability, insufficient foliar retention, and uncontrolled release behavior. Herein, a bioinspired Pickering emulsion delivery system (ACH X ) was constructed using modified pectin and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) for efficient AVM delivery. Inspired by natural biological interfaces, ACH X was designed to reproduce functional characteristics including protective capability, foliar adhesion, and stimulus-responsive activation rather than specific biological structures. By regulating pectin methyl esterification, the interfacial assembly behavior was precisely controlled, enabling enhanced leaf deposition and pH/pectinase dual-responsive release. The particle-stabilized interface improved AVM environmental stability, with thermal degradation rates maintained below 20% and approximately 60% active ingredient retention after ultraviolet irradiation. Meanwhile, ACH X exhibited enhanced droplet spreading and retention on hydrophobic leaf surfaces, with stable spreading diameters of 1.78-1.83   mm and a rebound height reduction of approximately 0.15   mm compared with free AVM. Under simulated alkaline and pectinase-rich pest midgut conditions, ACH X achieved over 95% cumulative AVM release while maintaining limited release under non-target conditions. Benefiting from adaptive deposition and target-responsive release, ACH X achieved a 24   h mortality of 96.66% against Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée , together with improved field control performance and favorable environmental compatibility. This study provides a functional biomimetic interfacial engineering strategy for developing intelligent and sustainable nano-pesticide delivery systems. Download: Download high-res image (168KB) Download: Download full-size image