Difunctional Fluorescence Nanoparticles for Accurate Tracing of Nanopesticide Fate and Crop Protection Prepared by Flash Nanoprecipitation

Facile fabrication of difunctional nanoparticles (NPs) for pesticide delivery and imaging is still a fascinating challenge. Here, water-dispersible difunctional NPs were developed using flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) where self-assembling amphiphilic block copolymers were used to encapsulate a highly hydrophobic model pesticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin, and the fluorescent dye Nile red. The particle size (ranging from 158 to 280 nm) and fluorescence property of NPs could be controlled by varying the flow rate or Nile red feed concentration. The aggregation state and rearrangement of the dye molecules in the NPs were also investigated. IVIS imaging and confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis demonstrated that the resulting difunctional nanopesticide particles could allow accurate in situ tracking of the pesticide on the leaf surface, while effectively avoiding interference from chlorophyll autofluorescence. The difunctional NP suspension maintained high insecticidal activity and stability. This work demonstrates the feasibility and great potential of the FNP method in universal fabrication of multifunctional NPs with in situ pesticide tracing and crop protection capabilities.

Rapid, Room Temperature Nanoparticle Drying and Low-Energy Reconstitution via Electrospinning

Nanoparticle formulations offer advantages over free drugs; however, stability of the nanoparticle dispersions is a significant obstacle, and drying is often required for long-term size stability. The main limitation of current drying methods is particle aggregation upon reconstitution which can be overcome with sonication (impractical in a clinical setting) or large amounts of cryoprotectants (result in hypertonic dispersions). Therefore, new approaches to nanoparticle drying are necessary. We demonstrate conversion of nanoparticle dispersions to a dry, thermostable form via electrospinning. As a proof-of-concept, polyethylene glycol stabilized nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol were blended and electrospun into ∼300 nm fibers. Following electrospinning, nanoparticles were stored for at least 7 months and redispersed with low osmolarity to their original size without sonication. The nanoparticles redisperse to their original size when the fiber diameter and nanoparticle diameter are comparable (nanoparticle:nanofiber ratio ∼1). Nanoparticles with liquid cores and larger particles better maintained their size when compared to nanoparticles with solid cores and smaller particles, respectively. Storing the nanoparticles within nanofibers appears to prevent Ostwald ripening improving thermostability. Overall, this novel approach enables rapid, continuous drying of nanoparticles at room temperature to facilitate long-term nanoparticle storage. Improved nanoparticle drying techniques will enhance clinical translation of nanomedicines.