Sustainable lycopene/propiconazole-based nanoencapsulated formulations and their synergistic effect against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus

Lycopene, a plant-based carotenoid, is a potent antioxidant known for its antifungal and health-promotion benefits. The current study aims to develop an eco-friendly pesticide lycopene/propiconazole-based magnetic silica composite against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. The encapsulation of lycopene and propiconazole within the silica composite was confirmed by FTIR spectra, which displayed characteristic peaks at 2885.07 cm⁻¹, 1683.64 cm⁻¹, and 823.36 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of both compounds without any chemical interaction between the fungicide and the composite. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a significant increase in thermal stability for the composite, showing only a 20.48 % weight loss up to 390 °C, compared to pure propiconazole, which experienced a 90 % weight loss between 200 °C and 360 °C. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated less agglomerated particles after propiconazole entrapment in the composite, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of elements from both lycopene and propiconazole from carbon (50.74 %), chlorine (0.19 %), and nitrogen content (0.47 %), supporting their successful encapsulation within the silica composite. In-vitro antifungal analysis of lycopene/propiconazole-based magnetic silica composite showed statistically significant P-values < 0.05 presenting a mycelial growth inhibition with 25.92 ± 1.7 mm against Aspergillus parasiticus and 25.7 ± 2.3 mm against Aspergillus flavus. The newly synthesized composite thus presented promising antifungal activity against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus, with potential for agricultural applications based on its stability, efficiency and simple recovery/reutilization as well as sustainable nature. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.