Bioinspired Design and Functionalization of Pesticide Nanocarriers: From Synthesis Strategies to Foliar-Targeted Delivery Mechanisms
Shuang Chen, Yixin Zhang, Di Gao, Wenxuan Cao, Xin Zou, Siying Xu, Ranhua Xiong, Chaobo Huang, Wenjing Ma
Abstract
Traditional pesticide formulations suffer from poor adhesion and limited deposition efficiency, causing overuse and ecological risks. Functional nanocarriers present a promising solution by leveraging bioinspired adhesive and structural topographies tailored to hydrophobic foliar surfaces. This review investigates progress in adhesive nanocarrier systems for enhanced foliar retention. We analyze the physicochemical and micronano/architectural features of leaves, evaluating their influence on droplet spreading and interfacial binding strength. Design principles for nanocarriers are established through two complementary approaches: molecular-level affinity (e.g., polyphenol-assisted hydrogen bonding and cation-π coordination) and multiscale structural matching (e.g., size-conforming geometries and hierarchical surface replication). Innovative methodologies, including environmental-triggered release, biohybrid engineering, and adaptive covalent bonding, are examined for enhanced deposition and controlled delivery. Furthermore, we evaluated the environmental and economic viability, considering scalability, field stability, and biodegradability. Future directions propose intelligent nanocarriers with machine-learning-assisted design, multimechanistic adhesion, and integration with precision agricultural platforms, bridging bioadhesion research with sustainable agrochemical applications.