The development of nanopesticides with minimized carriers (NMCs) through prodrug design and molecular self-assembly represents a transformative strategy for enhancing pesticide utilization efficiency and addressing global food security challenges. As a proof of concept, we developed A12@DES, a water-based nanodelivery system that combines a target-specific pesticide with a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The system utilizes a laccase inhibitor (A12, structurally optimized from lead compound PMDD-5Y) to self-assemble into monodisperse nanospheres (∼160 nm diameter) with an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-responsive DES matrix. The formulation demonstrates multiple functional advantages: (1) a simple preparation process, (2) substantially reduced droplet bouncing and splashing, (3) enhanced foliar wetting performance, and (4) ultimately improved pesticide deposition efficiency. Intriguingly, A12@DES supports rice growth and demonstrates minimal toxicity to nontarget organisms. At a low dose of 200 μg/mL, A12@DES exhibits superior in vivo curative and protective efficacies (74.43%/85.53%) against Magnaporthe oryzae compared to both the commercial fungicide isoprothiolane (57.48%/63.29%) and A12 alone (66.69%/69.95%). This study provides a reference for the development of multipurpose water-based nanopesticide delivery systems based on prodrug technology and DES conception, improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of fungicides for high-risk rice blast control.
Keywords: crop protection; deep eutectic solvent; laccase inhibitor; supramolecular chemistry; water-based nanodelivery system.