Photostability assessment of natural pyrethrins using halloysite nanotube carrier system

Natural pyrethrins are one of the most used pesticides and insect repellents employed for domestic or agronomic use. However, they are highly hydrophobic and suffer from insolubility in water media and ready decomposition by photochemical, and oxidative actions. These aspects hamper their long-term storage and applicability. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a nanomaterial based on the loading of pyrethrum extract (PE) into natural, low-cost, and eco-compatible halloysite nanotubes (Hal). The Hal/PE nanomaterial was thoroughly characterized, and the morphology was imaged by TEM and SEM investigations. Release experiments showed a slow release of pyrethrins from the car…