Degradable nano-porous electrostatic microparticles for biodegradable pesticide delivery

Overview

This technology advances a proven nano-porous electrostatic microparticle platform for pesticide delivery by reformulating the particle cap with biodegradable materials such as cellulose. The microparticles adhere tightly to substrates through electrostatic attraction, increasing pesticide bioavailability at the target site. After serving their function, the particles degrade into non-toxic, plant-based compounds, reducing environmental chemical contamination associated with conventional pesticide application.

The platform builds on an existing NIH SBIR Phase II collaboration in which the team successfully developed insect-repellent fabrics and demonstrated controlled release of pyriproxyfen from nano-porous fibers. By reformulating the particle cap with cellulose-based or other plant-based polymers, the technology can be adapted as a controlled-release, environmentally friendly carrier for a broader range of liquid pesticides and pest systems.

Technical specifications

• Particle structure: Nano-porous microparticles containing pores sized 77–134 nm that can be loaded with pesticide active ingredients
• Surface coating: Specialized coating designed to increase pesticide bioavailability on target surfaces
• Internal architecture: Vacuoles as small as 2 µm with variable volume, providing additional internal capacity for active compounds
• Electrostatic adhesion: Particles adhere tightly to substrates via static charge, improving residence time and reducing wash-off
• Manufacturing method: Produced through phase inversion, with particle size controllable by varying the partitioning of solvent, polymer, and solvent diluent
• Biodegradable reformulation: Cap material being transitioned to cellulose-based or plant-based polymers for environmentally benign degradation
• Application scope: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, with proposed testing against agricultural pests (aphids) and indoor pests (bed bugs)

Technology readiness level

The underlying nano-porous particle platform has demonstrated laboratory-validated success in delivering pyriproxyfen to insects through controlled release from nanoparticle-loaded fibers developed under an NIH SBIR Phase II award. The current effort focuses on reformulating the particle cap with biodegradable cellulose-based polymers using an analogous phase inversion method, followed by loading with pesticidal compounds and efficacy evaluation against target pests. The proposed validation includes approximately one year of work covering reformulation, efficacy trials against aphids and bed bugs, and degradation studies to assess microparticle half-life. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, with proven core delivery mechanics now being extended to a biodegradable formulation suitable for broader agricultural and indoor pest management applications.