Photoprotection for deltamethrin using chitosan-coated beeswax solid lipid nanoparticles

BACKGROUND: In the natural environment, photodegradation is one of the most common degradative processes of pesticides. In order to reduce the photodegradation of pesticides, and so increase their killing activity against target pests, chitosan-coated beeswax solid lipid nanoparticles (CH-BSLNs) were prepared by a combination of hot homogenization and sonication, with deltamethrin as an active ingredient. RESULTS: Under optimal conditions, the highest encapsulation efficiency (95%) and a high payload of deltamethrin (approximately 12.5%) were achieved. In direct photolysis, in the case of CH-BSLNs after UV irradiation for 24 h, 37.3% of deltamethrin remained, as opposed to only 14.6% of the free-form deltamethrin. In addition, in indirect photolysis, in the case of CH-BSLNs after UV irradiation for 2 h in 2% acetone solution, approximately 74.5% of deltamethrin remained, as opposed to only 37.6% of the free-form deltamethrin. CONCLUSION: CH-BSLNs showed good protection for deltamethrin against photodegradation. This novel nanocarrier may be useful in crop protection as an economical strategy to enhance the effect of pesticides in the field and protect the environment as well. Copyright (c) 2012 Society of Chemical Industry