Nanoscale "Magic Box": Regulating azadirachtin through plant secondary metabolites, ushering in a new chapter in sustainable pest management

08/09/2025 09:47:18

On February 19, 2025, researchers from China Agricultural University conducted a study on the regulation of azadirachtin nano-assembly using plant secondary metabolites to address the challenges of stability and efficacy in biopesticides. The relevant paper was published in the journal Nature Communications. The researchers utilized three plant-based products, namely TA, PA, and gallic acid, to transform the lipid-soluble azadirachtin into a co-assembled nano-system. The co-assembled nano-system was prepared using the solvent exchange method and subjected to a series of characterization and performance studies. The results showed that TA and PA could serve as dynamic crosslinking media, enabling azadirachtin to co-assemble into relatively small aggregates and disperse in water. When the molar ratio of TA to azadirachtin was 1:8, the co-assembly rate of AT NPs reached 82.46%, with an average particle size of approximately 120 nm, a PDI of 0.028, and a zeta potential of -32 mV, forming a stable nano-system. When the molar ratio of PA to AZA was 4:1, AP NPs could also form a stable system with a co-assembly rate of 70.96%. Both AT NPs and AP NPs exhibited significantly better wettability, adhesion, and retention on crop leaves compared to azadirachtin emulsion suspension, and were more resistant to rain wash and had better photostability. They could also respond to different pH environments to achieve controlled release of azadirachtin. Insecticidal activity tests on Asian corn borer and cotton aphid showed that the nano-systems had significant insecticidal activity and were safe for plant growth. This provides an environmentally friendly new approach for the efficient utilization of biopesticides, promising widespread application in future agricultural production.