Nanoencapsulation of clofentezine with enhanced acaricidal activity against the two spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract

Nanoencapsulation of an acaricide, clofentezine, was investigated through a simple and green route using polyethylene glycol (PEG). In comparison to conventional formulations of clofentezine, clofentezine nanocapsules (Clo@NPs) showed improved persistence and solubility. TEM showed spherical nanoparticles that were 230 ± 20 nm. The LC₅₀ values for clofentezine and Clo@NPs against adults were 297.65 and 88.44 µg a.i./mL, respectively. Controlled release experiments showed that Clo@NPs releases the active ingredient over a prolonged period. The results showed that the acaricidal efficacy of nanoformulated clofentzine was improved. The nanoparticle formulation will be more economical and environment friendly to apply compared to traditional formulations.

Keywords:

• Clofentezine
• PEG/HPMC
• nanopesticide
• toxicity
• Tetranychus urticae

Acknowledgements

This article is part of the first author postdoctoral research, and all co-authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The authors greatly appreciate the support for this project provided by the Research and Technology affairs of University of Tabriz, Iran. The manuscript was read and improved by Dr. Shizuo G. Kamita (Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis) that is highly appreciated.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by a research grant of the University of Tabriz [number 724].