A multifunctional nanomaterials based pesticide delivery system provides a powerful strategy for the efficient utilization of pesticides. We present here the application of a 2D MXene (Ti3C2) nanomaterial for pesticide delivery and plant protection. Avermectin (AV), a hydrophobic and unstable insecticide, was chosen as the model pesticide. In our study, AV@Ti3C2 was formed by fast adsorption of AV on Ti3C2, with a maximum loading capacity of 81.44%. Compared with hydrophobic AV, AV@Ti3C2 exhibited significantly improved water solubility, which is beneficial for ensuring the bioactivity of pesticide. The AV@Ti3C2 nanoformulation showed pH responsive slow-release behavior, overcoming the burst-release of conventional AV formulations. Besides, AV@Ti3C2 possessed excellent photostability under UV irradiation, which prolonged the persistent period of AV. Therefore, AV@Ti3C2 performed sustaining and enhanced antipest activity, according to the bioactivity assay. Furthermore, AV@Ti3C2 showed satisfactory biosafety, with no negative effect to the germination and growth of maize. Our current research provides a potential candidate, AV@Ti3C2, for pest control, and also broadens the application of 2D MXene materials in plant protection and sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: MXene; avermectin; controlled release; nanopesticide; sustainable agriculture.