Paper-based cultural relics are damaged by pest infestations. Traditional pest control methods often suffer from long cycles, low efficacy, or potential harm to the paper substrate. This study investigates the insecticidal and protective effects of Na₂B₈O₁₃·4H₂O on key pests, including Lasioderma serricorne, Tribolium castaneum, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Among several materials tested, Na₂B₈O₁₃·4H₂O showed the strongest insecticidal activity. Combining it with intermittent vacuum treatment synergistically enhanced efficacy, achieving 100% mortality in L. serricorne larvae within 24 h. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Na₂B₈O₁₃·4H₂O exerts its insecticidal effect by disrupting multiple pathways in Lasioderma serricorne larvae, including chitin synthesis, energy metabolism, and insect hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, when incorporated into paper-based packaging, it significantly enhances the paper’s acid-buffering capacity, effectively delaying acidification in a simulated acidic environment. These findings offer a promising integrated strategy for simultaneous pest and acidification control, providing a foundation for developing next-generation multifunctional materials for preserving paper-based cultural heritage.
Cao et al. (Thu,) studied this question.