Nanotechnology: An advanced approach to the development of potent insecticides

Nanoparticles are generally defined as structures with dimensions of less than 100 nm. They usually differ by their fundamental properties from that of the bulk material, especially in having much higher chemical activity and solubility. As a result, the biological activity, mobility and bioavailability are tremendously increased. Many of the insecticides known today are organic compounds which are poorly soluble in water. Their regular utilization leads to environmental contamination by organic solvents and frequently results in insufficient activity and insect resistivity. Nanotechnology presents an appealing way to overcome these problems. While no chemical alteration to the insecticide molecule is made, formulating the material as nanoparticles may lead to a significant increase in water solubility, thus enhanced dissolution rate and better dispersion uniformity upon application. This chapter will give a state of the art of nanomaterials as pesticides, and provide an overview of the techniques for making nanoparticles, in view of agricultural formulations. The current legal status insecticides in nanoparticles and the research which is conducted on environmental safety of nanoparticles are also reviewed.