BACKGROUND:Rice sheath blight (ShB), a fungal disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani, seriously threatens rice yield and quality. Prochloraz (PRO), a broad-spectrum imidazole fungicide, may cause some harm to the environment and organisms when overused. To improve its efficiency and reduce environmental impact, MIL-101, a metal-organic framework, was chosen as carrier to load prochloraz to make PRO@MIL-101. RESULTS:Characterizations including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed successful drug loading, with MIL-101 maintaining a regular octahedral structure and good stability. In vitro release studies showed that PRO@MIL-101 exhibited a rapid release behavior, with a faster release under acidic conditions, and fitted the Ritger-Peppas model. PRO@MIL-101 also showed better wetting properties in contact angle and adhesion function assays. Antifungal tests indicated that PRO@MIL-101 achieved strong inhibitory effects at relatively low concentrations. Safety evaluations demonstrated that MIL-101 promoted rice growth and chlorophyll synthesis at low-to-medium concentrations, which may enhance rice disease resistance by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSION:The study successfully constructs a prochloraz delivery system based on MIL-101. The system has a drug-loading rate of ≈10%, and exhibits excellent drug release performance in an acidic environment and strong adhesion to leaf surfaces. MIL-101 is safe for rice, as it can promote rice growth and enhance stress resistance. Overall, these results suggest that the drug-loading system shows an excellent control effect on ShB, providing a new idea for reducing pesticide usage while improving efficacy of its control effect. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

BACKGROUND:Conventional lambda-cyhalothrin formulations are limited by rapid photodegradation, short field persistence, high aquatic toxicity, and insufficient active ingredient loading for large-scale agricultural applications. Herein, a high-loading (23%) lambda-cyhalothrin microcapsule suspension (CS) with an organic-inorganic hybrid shell was developed by integrating interfacial polymerization with a sol-gel process using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). This hybrid strategy was designed to simultaneously enhance sustained release, photostability, insecticidal efficacy and environmental safety. RESULTS:The optimized formulation produced spherical microcapsules with an average particle size of 0.832 μm, D50 = 0.762 μm, D90 = 1.204 μm, an encapsulation efficiency of 76.46% and a suspension rate of 95.26%. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method exhibited excellent linearity (R2 = 0.99977). The microcapsules showed controlled release without burst release, reaching a cumulative release of 78.3% after 7 days, compared with 92.3% for the emulsion in water (EW) and almost complete release of the technical material within 24 h. After 4 h of UV irradiation (365 nm), the degradation rate of the microcapsules was only 52.25%, markedly lower than that of the EW (70.79%) and technical material (96.84%). Against 3rd-instar Hyblaea puera larvae, the CS achieved 69.52% corrected mortality at 0.5 mg/L after 12 h and 100% mortality across all tested concentrations within 36 h. Furthermore, the 96 h median lethal concentration toward juvenile crucian carp was 2.17-fold higher than that of the EW, indicating reduced acute aquatic toxicity. CONCLUSION:The organic-inorganic hybrid microcapsule integrates high active ingredient loading with sustained release, enhanced UV resistance, superior insecticidal performance, and improved ecological compatibility. This study provides a promising formulation strategy for stabilizing photolabile pyrethroids and offers a practical platform for developing next-generation controlled-release pesticide formulations suitable for sustainable crop protection. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) have shown promise in agricultural field and attracted widespread attention. However, the ensuing environmental behavior of MoS2 NSs, particularly their impact on plants remained underexplored. This study reveals concentration-dependent hormesis of MoS2 NSs (25-1000 mg/L) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) seedling via hydroponic culture system as indicated by phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical indicators. MoS2 NSs at 25-100 mg/L increased plant fresh biomass (by 27.7 %-41.4 %), dry weight (43.1 %-65.6 %), chlorophyll content (36.8 %-45.1 %), and leaf area (by 15.9 %18.7 %). At the same time, antioxidative enzyme activities and phenolic content in roots were significantly improved. Conversely, MoS2 NSs at 200-1000 mg/L negatively affected tobacco growth and caused increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. Firstly, MoS2 NSs-induced acidification of the nutrient solution and the subsequent mechanistic damage to root tip morphology and cell death observed by microscopy techniques were the key mechanisms for the phytotoxicity; secondly, homeostasis imbalance of micronutrient in tobacco tissues was responsible for the overt phytotoxicity, especially the iron deficiency (64-77 % reduction) and Mo overload in tobacco tissues, impairing metabolic functions. The findings establish a critical threshold for agricultural applications, such as growth stimulants, and advance understanding of 2D material-plant interactions.

Climacteric mangoes suffer a short shelf life due to rapid postharvest nutrient loss and pathogen invasion. Herein, a strategy of quaternized chitosan (QCS)/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) coating incorporating synergistic glycine betaine (GB) and tea polyphenols (TP) coating was developed through integrated metabolic regulation and antibacterial-antioxidant functionalities. The prepared QCS/CNC/TP/GB-10 coating exhibited water vapor permeability (WVP) of 0.41 × 10⁻³ g·m⁻¹·kPa⁻¹·h⁻¹ and oxygen permeability (OP) of 0.10 cm³·μm·m⁻²·d⁻¹·kPa⁻¹, respectively, with improvements of 38.1% and 61.5% over QCS. The 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate reached 91.93 ± 1.49%, 75.29% higher than QCS. Mangoes treated with QCS/CNC/TP/GB-10 extend shelf life by 11 days, with weight loss of 23.22 ± 0.83% and firmness loss of 32.69 ± 2.20%, respectively. The titratable acidity (TA) was maintained at 0.20%, significantly higher than controls (<0.07%). Colletotrichum siamense (C. siamense) was identified as the causal agent, and the QCS/CNC/TP/GB-10 coating achieved 67.02 ± 2.35% inhibition, 2.23-fold higher than QCS. Molecular docking revealed TP-assisted binding enhancement between QCS/CNC and the CSH protein of C. siamense, with GB playing a complementary role. Soil and aquatic organism models demonstrated no ecological risks of the coating solution. This study provides a design paradigm for developing promising polysaccharide-based coatings for climacteric fruit preservation.

Nanotechnology provides a promising formulation strategy for pesticides, offering an effective approach to protect plants against persistent pathogenic threats that cause significant economic losses. In this study, molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles (MoS2 NPs) were functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) and loaded with copper to form MoS2/PDA@Cu nanocomposites (MPC). The effectiveness of MPC in controlling tobacco bacterial wilt (TBW), caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum) was assessed at 62.5-250 μg/mL. Results showed MPC possessed dual functions: high bactericidal efficiency and plant defense activation. Compared with MoS2 and Cu NPs, MPC displayed pronounced concentration-dependent antibacterial effects against R. solanacearum, primarily by inhibiting bacterial growth, disrupting cellular morphology, damaging cell membranes, impairing motility, and suppressing both two- and three-dimensional biofilm architectures. Furthermore, irrigation with MPC significantly diminished bacterial colonization in tobacco roots, induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2-), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves. qRT-PCR analysis showed MPC enhanced the expression of salicylic acid and ethylene pathway-related genes. Notably, at a concentration of 125 μg/mL, pre-treatment with MPC achieved the highest control efficacy (53.85%) against bacterial wilt at 18 days post-inoculation, representing a 1.17-fold and 1.31-fold improvement over 250 μg/mL MPC and the commercial bactericide Thiodiazole‑copper (TCO), respectively. Additionally, under the tested conditions, MPC treatment not only promoted the accumulation of dry matter in tobacco roots but also exerted no adverse effects on four selected non-target organisms. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the suppression of soil-borne diseases by MPC and underscore its significant potential as a sustainable crop protection strategy.

Intestinal injury is an important complication of burn sepsis with limited therapeutic choices. Phellodendrine is a promising compound for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases and is extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine phellodendron bark. The study aimed to explore the role of phellodendrine against oxidative stress and autophagy in burn sepsis-induced intestinal injury. A mouse model of burn sepsis model was established by intraperitoneally injecting 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mice burned by boiled water. Phellodendrine (30 mg/kg) was injected into mice in the drug group after scalding and before LPS injection. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in murine small intestines. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to evaluate intestinal cell apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to measure the expression and distribution of autophagy markers, light chain 3II (LC3II) and p62 in intestinal tissues. Oxidative stress indicators were detected using corresponding commercial kits. Protein levels of apoptotic markers, autophagy markers, and factors involved in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in intestines were quantified by western blotting. Phellodendrine attenuated bun sepsis-induced intestinal pathological changes. Meanwhile, aggravated cell apoptosis, reduction of antioxidant enzymes, and downregulation of autophagy markers in intestinal tissues of burn sepsis group were all improved by phellodendrine. In addition, phellodendrine activated the phosphorylation (p) of AMPK and inhibited p-mTOR signaling in intestines of burn septic mice. In conclusion, phellodendrine suppresses oxidative stress and activates autophagy in burn sepsis-induced intestinal injury by activating AMPK and inhibiting mTOR signaling.

Nanoparticle-based strategies have emerged as transformative tools for addressing critical challenges in sustainable agriculture, offering precise modulation of plant–environment interactions through enhanced biocompatibility and stimuli-responsive delivery mechanisms. Among these innovations, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) present unique advantages due to their dual functionality as both essential micronutrient carriers and redox homeostasis modulators. Compared to conventional selenium treatments, SeNPs offer a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution for improving plant resilience while minimizing toxicity, even at low doses. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of methods for synthesizing SeNPs, including chemical reduction, green synthesis using plant extracts, and biological techniques with microbial agents. Additionally, the review discusses the effects of SeNPs on biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants, focusing on how these nanoparticles activate stress-response pathways and enhance plant immune function. The primary objective of this study is to offer theoretical insights into the application of SeNPs for addressing critical challenges in modern agriculture, such as improving crop yield and quality under stress conditions. Moreover, the research highlights the role of SeNPs in advancing sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The findings underscore the transformative potential of SeNPs in crop management, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural future.

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (B. tabaci) stands as the exclusive identified vector for tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), the causative agent of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD). Current disease management strategies face significant challenges due to the absence of effective antiviral chemicals, necessitating heavy reliance on whitefly population control. However, the occurrence of insecticide resistance and the invasiveness of B. tabaci have severely compromised conventional control methods, highlighting an urgent demand for innovative disease management approaches. This study presents a kind of LDH superpolymer as a nano-insecticide to control B. tabaci. It was generated through self-assembly of LDH SLNSs gel with supplement of matrine (MT) to form nanohybrids. We found that the 150 nm LDH nanosheets displayed a high efficiency to permeate tomato leaf stomata, enabling accumulation in intercellular cavities and mesophyll cell cytoplasm. The loading efficiency of MT-LDH nanohybrids achieved to 16 %. Compared to conventional MT formulations, foliar application of 500 mg/L MT-LDH increased 50.39-75.17 % phyllospheric MT retention in tomato leaves. The nanomaterial exhibited efficient showing 2.83-fold bioactivity against B. tabaci adults than that of aqueous MT solutions. Moreover, we revealed that the biocontrol activity of the MT-LDH nanohybrids conferred dual protective benefits: (1) activation of plant defenses to inhibit mitigation of TYLCV; and (2) enhanced systemic acquired resistance against viral infection. These findings establish a novel antiviral paradigm that both killed vector insect and activate host defence. The MT-LDH nanohybrids offered a potential solution to control TYLCV epidemics with reduced pesticide reliance.

This Highlight discusses the landmark study by Zhao et al. (Science, 2025) that presents a transformative strategy against citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). The work identifies the E3 ubiquitin ligase PUB21 as a central susceptibility (S) factor, degrading the defense regulator MYC2. Crucially, the study harnesses natural resistance (dominant-negative PUB21DN mutant) and pioneers AI-driven design to develop a 14-amino acid peptide (APP3-14). This peptide dually combats HLB by stabilizing MYC2 (inhibiting PUB21) and directly targeting the unculturable pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), achieving >90 % bacterial reduction in field trials. The research also exposes how a CLas effector (SDE5, Sec-delivered effector 5) hijacks the PUB21-MYC2 axis. This work establishes “defense protein stabilization” as a powerful new paradigm for breeding resistant crops and controlling recalcitrant pathogens, exemplified by the innovative integration of AI in peptide therapeutics for plants.

Weeds pose a significant threat to the production of the medicinal crop Ophiopogon japonicus. Due to the scarcity of registered herbicides for this crop, farmers heavily rely on manual weeding. This study evaluated a novel acetochlor nanocapsule formulation for weed control in Sichuan O. japonicus fields, comparing it to a conventional acetochlor emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Treatments included manual weeding (weed-free control), conventional EC (900 g a.i. ha−1), and three nanocapsule doses (450, 900, and 1800 g a.i. ha−1). Weed control efficacy was assessed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after application, followed by the measurement of agronomic traits, yield, and the content of bioactive compounds (saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides) post-harvest. The high-dose nanocapsules (1800 g a.i. ha−1) provided excellent weed control (96.54% at 45 days), which was better than the EC and lower nanocapsule doses, and extended the control duration. It did not negatively affect key agronomic traits, root tuber morphology, final yield, nor the content of key bioactive compounds compared to the weed-free control. In conclusion, acetochlor nanocapsules, especially at 1800 g a.i. ha−1, offer an effective and safe weed management strategy for O. japonicus. They provide superior, prolonged weed control without harming crop yield or quality.

In agriculture, Carbon Dots (CDs) have been shown to enhance plant photosynthesis, boost antioxidant capacity and increase stress resistance. Additionally, CDs can serve as pesticide carrier, to improve the stability, solubility and targeted delivery of pesticide molecules. In this study, novel weed-based CDs derived from Commelina communis were developed. Using peas, Chinese cabbage, and aphids as the test objects, the CDs can promote the growth of seedling, within a certain concentration range, where they can significantly increase the fresh weight of plants. This growth-promoting effect is mainly due to the facilitation of iron ion absorption and the synthesis of chlorophyll by the CDs, thereby enhancing plant photosynthesis. In addition, CDs-flonicamid nanocomposite can improve the adhesion of pesticides on the leaf surfaces, and enhance the control effect against aphids. This work lays a foundation for the development of innovative pesticide formulation based on the CDs and their broader application in agriculture.

This paper studied the effect of a new type of nano-pesticide on the control of rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) disease. In this study, AZOX/CS-graft-SA (azoxystrobin/chitosan-salicylic acid) nanoformulations were prepared, and the inhibitory effects of different concentrations on rice blast fungus and effects on rice growth and development were determined. The results showed all three drugs could effectively inhibit fungal growth, and the higher the concentration, the more significant the effect. Meanwhile, different concentrations of CS-graft-SA were added to rice planted under different salt concentrations, and physiological indexes and related enzyme activities of rice were measured. It was concluded that no matter what concentration of reagent, salt resistance of rice was improved. Among them, 250 mg/L CS-graft-SA has better effect. In summary, the CS-graft-SA nanocapsules prepared by chitosan and salicylic acid have good biocompatibility and can promote rice growth. The AZOX/CS-graft-SA nanoformulations prepared by loading the pesticide azoxystrobin on them can enhance the fungicidal activity of azoxystrobin against rice blast fungus, which provides important support for the promotion and application of CS-graft-SA nanocapsules in agriculture.

INTRODUCTION:Mammalian health risks due to agrochemical exposure are becoming a global concern, increasingly. Long-term exposure to diquat (DQ) leads to multiple organ dysfunctions and increase mammal mortality. Despite existing mitigation strategies, including oxidative stress reduction and gut microbiota modulation, effective mitigation strategies for DQ poisoning remain elusive. OBJECTIVES:Based on the dark gastrointestinal environment of mammals, a natural light-responsive DQ formulation was prepared, that effectively controls weeds and reduces toxicity to mammals. METHODS:By loading DQ onto bridged polysilsesquioxane (BPS) with charge reversal properties, a natural photo-responsive formulation of DQ@BPS was prepared. The physicochemical properties of BPS and DQ@BPS were studied with a series of characterization methods. Under natural light, the photo-controlled release properties of DQ@BPS were measured by molecular dynamics simulation. The control effect of DQ@BPS to barnyard grass was compared with that of DQ and a commercial formulation. A mouse model was used to study its toxicity. In addition, the safety of BPS in Chinese cabbage and DQ@BPS in earthworms were detected. RESULTS:We verified that DQ@BPS enable release DQ through natural light. BPS was reversed to a positive charge under natural light, and DQ was released via electrostatic repulsion, with a total release amount 7.27 times that under darkness. Compared with DQ, DQ@BPS ameliorated the liver and kidney damage while reducing body residues by over 10 times in mice, and showed effective control of barnyard grass. Furthermore, it was safe for earthworms, LC50 > 1000 μg/cm2, and the carrier itself was safe for Chinese cabbage. CONCLUSION:Charge-reversible-natural light-responsive nanoparticles enable to deliver herbicide with reduced mammalian toxicity. This study provides a new photo-response mechanism in agrochemical delivery systems, offering a promising approach for reducing the toxicity of agrochemicals to mammals.

BACKGROUND:Fluazinam is a broad-spectrum fungicide and acaricide, but its field performance is limited by temperature sensitivity and phytotoxicity. To overcome these challenges, a thermoresponsive nano-formulation (Flu@TRNP) was developed by encapsulating fluazinam in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-styrene) copolymer matrix via emulsion polymerization. RESULTS:The microcapsules exhibited uniform spherical morphology (mean diameter: 3.4 μm), high encapsulation efficiency (75.3%), and temperature-dependent release governed by the polymer lower critical solution temperature (~32 °C). Below this temperature, release was almost complete, whereas above it, polymer shrinkage slowed diffusion and enabled sustained release. Flu@TRNP displayed significantly lower contact angles on leaf surfaces compared with commercial fluazinam, indicating improved wettability. Bioassays showed enhanced acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae, with median lethal concentration (LC50) values reduced by up to 25% at 35 °C. Antifungal tests against Phytophthora infestans confirmed greater inhibition at 20 °C. Field trials demonstrated comparable or superior disease control efficacy at reduced or standard doses. Pot experiments under heat stress (40 °C) indicated lower phytotoxicity on cowpea and potato compared with the commercial formulation. CONCLUSION:These results demonstrate that the thermoresponsive microcapsule formulation improves bioefficacy and crop safety while reducing the risk of phytotoxicity under fluctuating environmental conditions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

BACKGROUND:Pyrethroids are widely used insecticides due to their efficacy and safety for humans, yet their toxicity to beneficial insects like bees remains a critical environmental concern. Developing controlled-release formulations to mitigate non-target toxicity and enhance pesticide efficiency is imperative for sustainable agriculture. RESULTS:In this experiment, two types of PCN-222 materials, with small and large particle sizes, were synthesized using a solvothermal method. Bifenthrin (Bif) was loaded onto PCN-222 to prepare the controlled-release agent Bif@PCN-222. The structure and properties of the prepared materials were characterized by morphology observation, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurements. The experimental findings indicated that Bif@PCN-222 demonstrated excellent release performance under alkaline conditions and exhibited better wettability on cabbage leaves compared to commercial formulations. Additionally, the Bif@PCN-222 controlled-release agent significantly improved resistance to UV photodegradation. Safety evaluations showed that Bif@PCN-222 had minimal impact on the growth of Zoysia grass and notably reduced toxicity to bees. CONCLUSION:These results show that we have successfully prepared Bif@PCN-222, which can enhance the pest control effect, reduce the toxicity to non - target organisms, and have a relatively small impact on plant growth and the number of soil microflora. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

BACKGROUND:Dinotefuran (DNF) is a neonicotinoid insecticide with strong systemic, poisoning and gastric toxicity, which is no cross-resistance with the existing pesticides, but its toxicity to environmental organisms such as bees and earthworms is high. The development of environmentally responsive pesticide controlled-release agents using nanomaterials to process the agents by physical or chemical methods can improve the utilization of the pesticide and better utilize the active molecules of the pesticide. RESULTS:To enhance the performance of dinotefuran, UiO-67 was prepared, characterized, and then combined with dinotefuran to form dinotefuran-UiO-67 (DNF@UiO-67) nanocomposites. Compared with dinotefuran, DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites significantly increased the wettability and photolysis resistance of dinotefuran. Dinotefuran was loaded on UiO-67 without influencing its original activity and was more efficient in the long-term control of pea aphid compared to dinotefuran. The treatment of pea seeds with different concentrations of DNF@UiO-67 did not significantly affect the germination and growth of pea seeds and ensured the normal growth of plants. DNF@UiO-67 reduced the acute toxicity to earthworms and bees. These improvements imply that the DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites could be used as a potential formulation to improve insecticidal activity and enhance its safety for environmental organisms of dinotefuran. CONCLUSION:This study not only develops DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites to improve the performance of dinotefuran while maintaining its original insecticidal, but also provides a new idea for the application of dinotefuran in agriculture. Our findings will provide more possibilities for the application of DNF@UiO-67 nanocomposites as an effective and environmentally friendly formulation in agriculture. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Herein, we developed a technique for loading nanopesticides onto Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to control Spodoptera litura. The average short-axis length of the synthesized carrier emamectin benzoate@PCN-222 @hyaluronic acid (EB@PCN-222 @HA) was -40 nm, with an average long-axis length of -80 nm. This enabled the manipulation of its size, contact angle, and surface tension on the surface of leaves. Pesticide-loading capacity, determined via thermogravimetric analysis, was measured at -16 %. To ensure accurate pesticide release in the alkaline intestine of Spodoptera litura, EB@PCN-222 @HA was engineered to decompose under alkaline conditions. In addition, the carrier delayed the degradation rate of EB, enhancing EB's stability. Loading Nile red onto PCN-222 @HA revealed potential entry into the insect body through feeding, which was supported by bioassay experiments. Results demonstrated the sustained-release performance of EB@PCN-222 @HA, extending its effective duration. The impact of different carrier concentrations on root length, stem length, fresh weight, and germination rate of pakchoi and tomato were assessed. Promisingly, the carrier exhibited a growthpromoting effect on the fresh weight of both the crops. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments confirmed its safety for humans. In cytotoxicity assays, PCN-222 @HA showed minimal toxicity at concentrations up to 100

Chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), known for their high aspect ratio, surface charge, and mobility, are promising bio-based nanomaterials for drug delivery. However, their potential as pesticide carriers in agriculture remains underexplored. Etoxazole, a diphenyl oxalate acaricide, effectively inhibits egg hatching and the normal molting process in mites but suffers from rapid degradation and short persistence in field applications. This study introduces a novel formulation, Eto@ChNC, prepared by complexing TEMPO-oxidized ChNCs with etoxazole via a one-pot method. Eto@ChNC was evaluated for controlling Tetranychus urticae, demonstrating significantly enhanced rapid action and prolonged efficacy compared to traditional formulations. The formulation increased the synergistic effects on mite eggs and deutonymphs by 41.74 % and 67.85 %, respectively, extending effectiveness by two days. The improved performance was attributed to the enhanced wetting ability of Eto@ChNC on leaf surfaces and its superior inhibition of the epidermal chitin content in T. urticae, facilitating greater etoxazole penetration. Transcriptome sequencing revealed numerous differentially expressed genes related to chitin metabolism, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased efficacy. Safety assessments confirmed that Eto@ChNC did not elevate toxicity to earthworms or predatory mites and promoted the growth of wheat and cowpea, underscoring its environmental safety. These findings highlight Eto@ChNC as a significant advancement in bio-based acaricide formulations, offering promising applications in mite management.

Membrane science is the key strategy to solve water shortage in the future, and its essence is energy and mass transfer. Due to the complexity and variety of the internal structure of membrane, the energy transfer theory of membrane is still a black box theory. Herein, a new fluid mechanics principle is introduced to establish the energy fluid theory of membrane, which is translated into the energy formula: such as the initial total pressure difference (ΔP), the flow rate of fluid exiting the membrane (v1 and v2), fluid density (ρ), and energy consumption by salt resistance (NSR): { [Formula: see text] +12ρv23}. The theoretical framework is not only helpful for the data analysis of the energy transfer process of membranes, but also helps to allow for more in-depth and specific theoretical research. For instance, the relationship between NSR and the concentration difference (C) of salt can be expressed as NSR = aCb (a-product constant, b-exponential constant, R2>0.99). Hence, the basic theory can not only be widely applied to a variety of membranes with complex internal structure, but also have a profound impact on the application and research of membrane science.