A pH- and enzymatic-responsive nanopesticide to control pea aphids and reduce toxicity for earthworms

Thiacloprid is a new chlorinated nicotinoid insecticide against stinging-oral pests, such as aphids. It is less toxic to bees but more toxic to earthworms. In this study, a pH- and amylase-responsive MOF (ZIF-8) was constructed for site-specific delivery of thiacloprid to control pea aphids and more safety for earthworms. Thiacloprid from α-cyclodextrin@Thiacloprid@ZIF-8 (α-CD@T@ZIF-8) could be released quickly in pea aphids, which was ascribed to disintegration of ZIF-8 at low pH values in pea aphid intestines and degradation of α-CD under the action of α-amylase. The release results showed a significant pH dependence of α-CD@T@ZIF-8, with an approximately 65 % release amount at pH = 7 and a 95 % release amount at pH = 5 for 7 d. The results of the pot experiment and biosafety showed that for α-CD@T@ZIF-8, 88 % pea aphids could be killed compared with 32 % aphids for commercially available formulation on the 7th day after application. Meanwhile the LC50 of thiacloprid OD was 0.034 μg/cm2 and the LC50 of α-CD@T@ZIF-8 was 0.564 μg/cm2 on earthworms, and it was more safety for pea and lower acute toxicity and enrichment for the earthworms. α-CD@T@ZIF-8 could be used for intelligently controlled release of other insecticides against aphids. [Display omitted] •A pH and α-amylase-responsive response structure is designed using ZIF-8 as solid supports and the α-CD as gatekeepers.•Selective release is achieved by the difference in digestive environment between pea aphids and earthworms.•The α-CD@T@ZIF-8 delivery platform exhibits good insecticidal activity and an excellent shelf life.•The α-CD@T@ZIF-8 reduces the acute toxicity of thiacloprid to earthworms and the amount of enrichment in the earthworm.