Nanohexaconazole: synthesis,characterisation and efficacy of a novel fungicidal nanodispersion

Here, the authors describe a simple method to formulate the nanodispersion of hexaconazole (hexa); henceforth, referred to as nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) that is water soluble and effective against several species of Aspergillus. Size and shape of the prepared nanocomposite was determined with high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. Nanohexaconazole structure was further confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The antifungal efficacy of nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) was studied in vitro, compared with micronised hexaconazole (M‐hexa) at different doses (5 ppm, 10 ppm and control) against two food pathogenic fungi: Aspergillus niger (MTCC 282, MTCC 2196 and BDS 113) and Aspergillus fumigatus through poisoned food technique. A dose‐dependent significant growth inhibition was observed in nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) treated fungal sample compared with that of micronised hexaconazole (M‐hexa). Micrographic studies for the morphological analysis of control and nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) treated fungal samples were done, exhibited an alternation in fungal morphology. Results showed that nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) is more efficacious than commercially available micronised hexaconazole (M‐hexa). In future nanohexaconazole (N‐hexa) could be a possible candidate for modern medical science and also reduce damage to the environment from injudicious use of pesticides.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, nanosensors, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, mass spectra, chemical variables measurement, chemical sensorsOther keywords: fungicidal nanodispersion, N‐hexa structure, nanocomposite, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, nanohexaconazole structure, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, micronised hexaconazole, M‐hexa, food pathogenic fungi, Aspergillus niger, MTCC 282, MTCC 2196, BDS 113, Aspergillus fumigatus, poisoned food technique, pesticides