Nanozyme-based electrochemical sensors have attracted much attention because of their low cost, sensitivity and remarkable stability under extensive environmental and industrial conditions. Interestingly, the physical characteristics of the nanomaterials in terms of size, shape, composition, surface area and porosity dominate the electrochemical processes at electrode surfaces. Herein, we explore nickel oxide nanoplatelets (NPs) modified screen-printed electrode-based nanozyme sensors that displays high electrochemical activity including stability, sensitivity, selectivity and applicability for organophosphate pesticide (Parathion) determination. Differential pulse voltammogram of NiO-SPE in presence of parathion showed a characteristic peak current at -1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The NiO-SPE platform allows determination of parathion over the concentration range of 0.1-30 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.024 µM. The sensing platform is found to detect parathion of interferences without compromising the sensitivity of the sensor. Such interesting features offer a sensitive determination of parathion in water, urine and vegetable samples.

Herein, nanostructured metal oxides of essential soil nutrient elements (i.e., CuO and CaO) with definite shape and size were simply synthesized, and their pesticidal activities against cotton leafworm ( Spodoptera littoralis) were explored for the first time. These metal oxide nanostructures represented novel economic and ecofriendly nanopesticides for sustainable plant protection and might boost the nutrient content of soil. The results showed that CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and CaO NPs exhibited potential entomotoxic effects against S. littoralis. Interestingly, CuO NPs exhibited fast entomotoxic effect with LC50 = 232.75 mg/L after 3 days, while CaO NPs showed a slow entomotoxic effect with LC50 = 129.03 mg/L after 11 days of post-treatments. The difference in the pesticidal activity of the metal oxides is related to their physical characteristics and interfacial surfaces upon insect midgut and cuticle layer of insect body wall. Thus, nanoengineered metal oxides might be utilized to generate an alternative and cost-effective pesticide formulation in the near future.

Herein, silica nanostructures with various physicochemical characteristics were synthesized via surfactant-assisted methods. Potent entomotoxic effects of silica nanostructures were explored against cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis) for the first time by utilizing surface contact and feeding bioassay protocols. The mortality of the treated larvaes by surface contact was faster than feeding bioassay method. The results showed that the surface characteristics and particle size of silica nanostructures could effectively control their entomotoxic effects compared to commercial silica or even organic pesticides. It was also observed that the dead bodies of the insects became extremely dehydrated due to the damage of insect cuticular water barrier as a result of abrasion. Furthermore, the physical mode of action of silica nanostructures makes insects is unlikely to become physiologically resistant; hence, silica nanostructures can be efficiently used as a valuable tool in S. littoralis management programs.