From dansyl-modified biofilm disruptors to β-cyclodextrin-optimized multifunctional supramolecular nanovesicles: their improved treatment for plant bacterial diseases

Abstract

Background Bacterial diseases caused by phytopathogenic Xanthomonas pose a significant threat to global agricultural production, causing substantial economic losses. Biofilm formation by these bacteria enhances their resistance to environmental stressors and chemical treatments, complicating disease control. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in the development of multifunctional green bactericides capable of effectively breaking down biofilm barriers, improving foliar deposition properties, and achieving the control of bacterial diseases. Results We have developed a kind of innovative green bactericide from small-molecule conception to eco-friendly supramolecular nanovesicles (DaPA8@ β -CD) by host-guest supramolecular technology. These nanoscale assemblies demonstrated the ability to inhibit and eradicate biofilm formation, while also promoted foliar wetting and effective deposition properties, laying the foundation for improving agrochemical utilization. Studies revealed that DaPA8@ β -CD exhibited significant biofilm inhibition (78.66% at 7.0 µ g mL − 1 ) and eradication (83.50% at 25.0 µ g mL − 1 ), outperforming DaPA8 alone (inhibition: 59.71%, eradication: 66.79%). These nanovesicles also reduced exopolysaccharide formation and bacterial virulence. In vivo experiments showed enhanced control efficiency against citrus bacterial canker (protective: 78.04%, curative: 50.80%) at a low dose of 200 µ g mL − 1 , superior to thiodiazole-copper-20%SC and DaPA8 itself. Conclusion This study demonstrates the potential of DaPA8@ β -CD nanovesicles as multifunctional bactericides for managing Xanthomonas -induced plant diseases, highlighting the advantages of using host-guest supramolecular technology to enhance agrochemical bioavailability. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-024-03028-9.