Advancing sustainable agriculture: a critical review of smart and eco-friendly nanomaterial applications
Review article, 2023

Undoubtedly, nanoparticles are one of the ideal choices for achieving challenges related to bio sensing, drug delivery, and biotechnological tools. After gaining success in biomedical research, scientists are exploring various types of nanoparticles for achieving sustainable agriculture. The active nanoparticles can be used as a direct source of micronutrients or as a delivery platform for delivering the bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, crop yield, and crop quality. Till date, several reports have been published showing applications of nanotechnology in agriculture. For instance, several methods have been employed for application of nanoparticles; especially metal nanoparticles to improve agriculture. The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles such as core metal used to synthesize the nanoparticles, their size, shape, surface chemistry, and surface coatings affect crops, soil health, and crop-associated ecosystem. Therefore, selecting nanoparticles with appropriate physicochemical properties and applying them to agriculture via suitable method stands as smart option to achieve sustainable agriculture and improved plant performance. In presented review, we have compared various methods of nanoparticle application in plants and critically interpreted the significant differences to find out relatively safe and specific method for sustainable agricultural practice. Further, we have critically analyzed and discussed the different physicochemical properties of nanoparticles that have direct influence on plants in terms of nano safety and nanotoxicity. From literature review, we would like to point out that the implementation of smaller sized metal nanoparticles in low concentration via seed priming and foliar spray methods could be safer method for minimizing nanotoxicity, and for exhibiting better plant performance during stress and non-stressed conditions. Moreover, using nanomaterials for delivery of bioactive agrochemicals could pose as a smart alternative for conventional chemical fertilizers for achieving the safer and cleaner technology in sustainable agriculture. While reviewing all the available literature, we came across some serious drawbacks such as the lack of proper regulatory bodies to control the usage of nanomaterials and poor knowledge of the long-term impact on the ecosystem which need to be addressed in near future for comprehensive knowledge of applicability of green nanotechnology in agriculture.

Sustainable agriculture

Green synthesis

Metal nanoparticles

Nanofertilizers

Seed priming

Foliar application

Author

Sri Renukadevi Balusamy

Sejong University

Abhayraj S. Joshi

Novo Nordisk Foundation

Haribalan Perumalsamy

Hanyang University

Ivan Mijakovic

Chalmers, Life Sciences, Systems and Synthetic Biology

Novo Nordisk Foundation

Priyanka Singh

Novo Nordisk Foundation

Journal of Nanobiotechnology

14773155 (eISSN)

Vol. 21 1 372

Graphene-based drug delivery systems for treating MRSA infections

NordForsk (105121), 2021-01-01 -- 2023-12-31.

Subject Categories

Energy Engineering

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Agricultural Science

DOI

10.1186/s12951-023-02135-3

PubMed

37821961

More information

Latest update

10/25/2023