Research Topic: Nanoclays as sustainable carriers for bio-based insecticides
Abstract: ** Lecture will be given in English**
The growing challenge of pest infestation in agriculture continues to jeopardize global food production, accounting for nearly one-third of annual crop losses. The transition toward sustainable crop protection requires natural, biodegradable alternatives to conventional synthetic pesticides. We develop kaolinite-based delivery systems for bio-based insecticides derived from essential oils (EOs). Kaolinite, a two-dimensional nanoclay, provides high surface area and tunable surface chemistry, and exhibits intrinsic insect-repelling and anti-feeding properties, enabling it to function both as an active agent and as an efficient carrier for volatile bioactive compounds.
Combinations of EOs were systematically screened against model target aphids, demonstrating pronounced insecticidal activity. Water-based dispersions of EO-loaded nano-kaolin were subsequently formulated and characterized to elucidate their colloidal structure, interparticle organization, and stability. Structural analyses revealed a unique hierarchical assembly governing the controlled release of EOs from the nano-kaolin matrix. This sustained release behavior extends bioactivity duration while mitigating volatilization and leaching. The insecticidal and repellency efficacy as well as potential phytotoxic responses of the formulations were examined under controlled conditions to evaluate their suitability for agricultural application. These results suggest that EOs–loaded kaolinite formulations represent a promising and scalable approach to natural pest management, offering a potential pathway toward more sustainable crop protection technologies.
