Degradable and Recyclable 3D‐Printed Pheromones Delivery System Reinforced by Metal Coordination Cross‐Linking for Efficient Pest Trapping

TL;DR

A 3D-printed pheromone delivery system is developed that is eco-friendly, degradable, and effective for pest trapping.

Contribution

A sustainable, recyclable, and efficient 3D-printed pheromone carrier is introduced using cellulose acetate reinforced with lignin sulfonate and Fe³⁺.

Findings

The 3D-printed carrier achieved over 90% encapsulation efficiency and sustained release for six weeks.

It showed higher trapping effectiveness against Grapholita molesta compared to commercial rubber carriers.

The carrier degraded 20.4% in soil over 105 days and could be recycled with maintained bioactivity.

Abstract

Prompted by health and environmental concerns over chemical pesticides, insect sex pheromones offer a promising eco‐friendly pest control alternative. However, their high volatility and degradability cause instability, which hinders widespread use. Currently, most pheromone carriers (e.g., commercial rubber) suffer from short release cycles, non‐degradability, and non‐recyclability, creating a need for sustainable alternatives. The study developed an insect pheromone sustained‐release carrier using a cellulose acetate matrix fabricated via direct ink writing. The incorporation of lignin sulfonate and Fe3+ ions improved the carrier's mechanical strength and release performance. The 3D‐printed carriers achieved over 90% encapsulation efficiency and provided sustained release for up to six weeks. Compared to commercial rubber carriers, they exhibit higher cumulative trapping effectiveness against Grapholita molesta, catching 53 ± 6 insects over six weeks, versus 38 ± 4 for the rubber carrier. They also demonstrate a soil cumulative degradation rate of 20.4 ± 0.8% within 105 days, indicating environmental sustainability. Notably, the carrier can be physically recycled and reprinted. The reprinted carrier maintains an encapsulation efficiency of 92.8 ± 3.4% and bioactivity. This novel 3D‐printed system combines rapid production, degradability, and recyclability, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional pest control and supporting green agricultural innovation.

This study presents a 3D‐printed carrier for the slow release of insect pheromones. Reinforced by lignosulfonate and Fe³⁺ coordination in a cellulose acetate matrix, it enables sustained release for up to six weeks with remarkable trapping efficacy. Featuring soil degradability and recyclable re‐printing capability, this carrier provides a sustainable pest control solution for green agriculture.

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