

FOLLOWUS
a.Department of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, School of Physical and Material Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala-176215, Himachal Pradesh, India
b.Department of Animal Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala-176215, Himachal Pradesh, India
rajender.cuhp@gmail.com
Received:02 February 2026,
Accepted:04 April 2026,
Online First:03 August 2026,
Published:05 September 2026
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Devi, K.; Kumar, S.; Saini, I.; Rana, A.; Kumar, R. pH-Responsive L-cysteine-conjugated polydopamine nanocarriers for controlled release of emamectin benzoate against pieris brassicae. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3699-1
Kirna Devi, Sunil Kumar, Ishani Saini, et al. pH-Responsive L-Cysteine-conjugated Polydopamine Nanocarriers for Controlled Release of Emamectin Benzoate against
Devi, K.; Kumar, S.; Saini, I.; Rana, A.; Kumar, R. pH-Responsive L-cysteine-conjugated polydopamine nanocarriers for controlled release of emamectin benzoate against pieris brassicae. Chinese J. Polym. Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-026-3699-1 DOI:
Kirna Devi, Sunil Kumar, Ishani Saini, et al. pH-Responsive L-Cysteine-conjugated Polydopamine Nanocarriers for Controlled Release of Emamectin Benzoate against
Biodegradable polymeric nanocarriers demonstrate significant potential for the controlled release of pesticides
offering a sustainable and efficient approach for agriculture. This study involves the synthesis of novel pH-responsive L-cysteine-conjugated polydopamine (PDC) nanospheres for the controlled release of emamectin benzoate (EMB). Using sustainable
in situ
polymerization
hydrophobic EMB was encapsulated within biodegradable polydopamine (PDA)
which was further conjugated with L-cysteine. The functionalized and encapsulated carriers were characterized using UV
-
visible spectroscopy
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
zeta potential
field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM)
high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM)
and X-ray photoelectron spectrosc
opy (XPS). Both EMB@PDA and EMB@PDC nanospheres were assessed for their encapsulation efficiency and pH-responsive release of EMB. Under varying pH and temperature conditions
the maximum cumulative release of EMB was achieved at pH=3 and was further enhanced by temperature. Various kinetic models have shown that Fick’s diffusion controls the release process. EMB@PDC nanospheres exhibited excellent adhesion to plant surfaces and effectively protected against UV radiation
which reduced EMB loss through rainfall washout and photolytic degradation. In addition
EMB@PDC exhibited high insecticidal potency against
Pieris brassicae
. Hence
this integrative platform exemplifies an effective pesticide delivery system for promoting agricultural sustainability.
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