What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop a new nanopesticide strategy to enhance rice resistance to pathogens while minimizing crop damage.

March 2, 2026

Confined Enzymolysis Strategy Based on the Plant Cell Hierarchical Structure for Enhancing Pathogen Resistance Infection and Alleviating Oxidative Stress in Rice

Key Points

The aim is to develop a new nanopesticide strategy to enhance rice resistance to pathogens while minimizing crop damage.
Developed pectin-coated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with hexaconazole.
Utilized pectinase/pH dual-responsive mechanisms for targeted release in pathogen-infected environments.
Conducted antifungal activity tests against Rhizoctonia solani, comparing efficacy to traditional hexaconazole formulations.
The nanopesticide showed an EC50 of 0.783 mg/L, surpassing commercial hexaconazole in efficacy.
Bidirectional vascular transport and fungal cell wall penetration were achieved with nanoparticles of 143 ± 2 nm.
Chlorophyll content in treated rice was 1.72 times higher than with commercial hexaconazole, indicating less crop damage.

Abstract

Facing the complex pathogen infection microenvironment, single responsive nanopesticides hardly improved pesticide utilization. Herein, inspired by the plant cell hierarchical structure, pectin (PEC)-coated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were used to prepare pectinase/pH dual-responsive hexaconazole-loaded nanopesticides (Hex/HMSN-PEC) via confined enzymolysis. Its acidic pH/pectinase responsiveness adapted to Rhizoctonia solani-induced microenvironments. It exhibited potent antifungal activity (EC50 = 0.783 mg/L), comparable to commercial hexaconazole suspension (Hex SC), yet with higher efficacy. The 143 ± 2 nm Hex/HMSN-PEC enabled bidirectional vascular transport, fungal cell wall penetration, and rainwash resistance for targeted action. It minimally impacted rice seed growth, with chlorophyll content 1.72× that of Hex SC at equivalent concentrations, reducing crop damage and showing earthworm safety (LC50 ≈ twice Hex SC). This work offered a new perspective to overcome limitations of conventional pesticides in controlled release and crop safety.

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Confined Enzymolysis Strategy Based on the Plant Cell Hierarchical Structure for Enhancing Pathogen Resistance Infection and Alleviating Oxidative Stress in Rice

Key Points

Abstract

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