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

• Lycopene/propiconazole-based magnetic silica nanomaterial as efficient antifungal formulation. • Biological activity tested against Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus . • Mycelial growth inhibition (25.92 ± 1.7 mm) against Aspergillus parasiticus and. • Similar Mycelial growth inhibition (25.7 ± 2.3 mm) against 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.