OICC Press Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry 2193-8865 10 3 (September 2020) 2020 06 25 Natural nanopesticides with origin of Plantago major seeds extract for Tribolium castaneum control 10.1007/s40097-020-00346-w EN Zohreh Khoshraftar Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, IR Ali Shamel Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, IR Ali Akbar Safekordi Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, IR Mehdi Ardjmand Department of Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, IR Mohammad Zaefizadeh Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, IR Journal Article 2020 06 25 Abstract This study aimed to investigate the insecticidal activity and toxicity durability of Plantago major seed (PMS) extract loaded nanoliposomes against Tribolium castaneum . The major constituents of PMS extract were determined by GC–MS: benzene dicarboxylic acid (23.49%), dodecane (9.17%), 1-ethynylcyclopentanol (7.36%), heptadecane (6.47%) and cyclohexanol (4.56%). The Characterization of Plantago major seed extract loaded nanoliposomes was investigated by SEM, DLS, ζ-potential, FTIR, and encapsulation efficiency. The mean particle size distribution of PMS nanoliposomes is 50 ± 1.8 nm with PDI 0.41 ± 0.014. The ζ-potential of PMS extract loaded nanoliposomes was equal to − 27.23 ± 5.31 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of nanoliposomes containing PMS extract was 96%. PMS extract loaded nanoliposomes have a spherical shape. FTIR reveals interactions of the PMS extract in nanoliposome structures with phospholipid groups. To determine the insecticidal potential of Plantago major seed extract nanoliposomes were impregnated with concentration (10, 25, 40, 65, 80, and 100 mg/ml). During fumigant testing, the LC 50 of the Plantago major seed extract was 39.30 mg/ml against Tribolium castaneum adults after 72 h of exposure time. The requirement decreased to 35.50 mg/ml after the nanoencapsulation of plant extract for 72 h of exposure of time. The mortality percentage of Tribolium castaneum by PMS extract and PMS extract loaded nanoliposomes (V: 100 mg/ml) for 60 days after the production of samples 16.25% and 62.50%., respectively. The release percentage of Plantago major seed extracts loaded nanoliposomes was 54% after 24 h. The conclusions of this study indicate that nano-encapsulated Plantago major seed extracts have good effects on the pest, and can be an effective alternative to synthetic pesticides. Graphic abstract Plantago major seed (PMS) extract loaded nanoliposomes have a good insecticidal effect on Tribolium castaneum .