(180aq) Rationally Designed Porous Nanocarriers for Enhancing Plant Pathogen Defense

Plant pathogens pose a major threat to global food security, and climate change is expected to worsen these challenges. The growing pathogen threat calls for the development of novel technologies, as current agrochemical solutions may prove inadequate in the near future. In this study, we explore two distinct strategies involving rationally designed nanocarriers to enhance plant pathogen resistance. The first approach involves nanocarriers that utilize a biorecognition-based strategy for species-independent, targeted delivery of antimicrobial compounds to stomata to reduce pathogenicity. The second approach introduces programmable covalent organic framework (COF)-based volatile organic compound (VOC) emitters that replicate natural plant defenses through controlled VOC release to deter pathogens. Both approaches demonstrate effective pathogen deterrence, highlighting the multifaceted potential for improving pathogen defense and paving the way for advancements in plant nanobiotechnology and sustainable agriculture.