Controlled release of dinotefuran with temperature/pH-responsive chitosan-gelatin microspheres to reduce leaching risk during application

Neonicotinoid-based pesticides are extensively used owing to their broad insecticidal spectrum and activity. We developed neonicotinoid dinotefuran (DIN)-loaded chitosan-gelatin microspheres using a spray-drying technology, resulting in a pH- and temperature-responsive controlled-release system. Upon introducing chitosan into the triple-helix structure of gelatin, the physically modified gelatin microspheres became smooth, round, and solid, improving their thermal storage stability. The spray-drying parameters were optimized using three-dimensional surface plots. When scaled up under optimal conditions, the corresponding loading content and encapsulation efficiency were 21.5% and 98.17%, respectively. Compared with commercial dinotefuran granules, our biodegradable composite carriers achieved the immobilization of dinotefuran to reduce pesticide leaching by 5.57–19.89% in soil, improved the soil half-life of DIN, and improved its cumulative absorption by plants. Therefore, the microspheres showed better efficacy against Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Our results confirm that this simple approach can improve the utilization efficiency of neonicotinoids, decrease leaching loss, and promote ecological safety. [Display omitted] •The physically modified microspheres became round, solid, and stable.•A pH- and temperature-sensitive, controlled-release microsphere system was developed.•Dinotefuran-loaded gelatin-chitosan microspheres reduced the pesticide leaching.•The soil half-life of dinotefuran was increased by 11 days with its accumulation in leaves.•The microspheres showed a better efficacy against Trialeurodes vaporariorum.