A Fungicidal Nanoplatform Based on Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Coated with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8

The development of smart nanoplatforms is a promising strategy to improve the utilization and stability of pesticides in sustainable agriculture. Herein, we use hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) as nanocarriers, loaded with resveratrol (Res), and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coatings as gatekeepers to construct a pathogen microenvironment-responsive fungicide nanoplatform, namely, Res@HMSN@ZIF-8, for control of Botrytis cinerea. ZIF-8, as an acid-unstable framework, endows Res@HMSN@ZIF-8 with pH-responsive properties, enabling the controlled release of Res under acidic conditions. Both in vitro and pot experiments demonstrate that the Res@HMSN@ZIF-8 material not only effectively inhibits the growth of B. cinerea but also exhibits strong inhibitory activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Moreover, Res@HMSN@ZIF-8 can be absorbed by the stomata of tobacco leaves and subsequently translocated to the tobacco plant. RNA sequencing results indicate that Res@HMSN@ZIF-8 can upregulate defense-related gene expression in tobacco plants, thereby indirectly enhancing the antifungal activity of the plant hosts. The construction of such a microenvironment-responsive fungicide nanoplatform establishes an innovative strategy for managing B. cinerea, which provides a new design paradigm for the application of nanopesticides in sustainable agriculture.