Advanced applications of sustainable and biological nano-polymers in agricultural production

Abstract

Though still in its infancy, the use of nanotechnology has shown promise for improving and enhancing agriculture: nanoparticles (NP) offer the potential solution to depleted and dry soils, a method for the controlled release of agrochemicals, and offer an easier means of gene editing in plants. Due to the continued growth of the global population, it is undeniable that our agricultural systems and practices will need to become more efficient in the very near future. However, this new technology comes with significant worry regarding environmental contamination. NP applied to soils could wash into aquifers and contaminate drinking water, or NP applied to food crops may carry into the end product and contaminate our food supply. These are valid concerns that are not likely to be fully answered in the immediate future due to the complexity of soil-NP interactions and other confounding variables. Therefore, it is obviously preferred that NP used outdoors at this early stage be biodegradable, non-toxic, cost-effective, and sustainably manufactured. Fortunately, there are many different biologically derived, cost-efficient, and biocompatible polymers that are suitable for agricultural applications. In this mini-review, we discuss some promising organic nanomaterials and their potential use for the optimization and enhancement of agricultural practices.

Carrier‐based delivery system of phytohormones in plants: stepping outside of the ordinary

“…Alginate/Chitosan‐GA3 exhibited a positive effect on the plant by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content as well as the leaf area (Santo et al, 2017). Interestingly, polysaccharides/biopolymers can be utilized either independently or in combination with other polymers to create nanoparticles (Vinzant et al, 2023). These systems improve the stability and lengthen the duration of action of the active ingredients as Alginate/chitosan (ALG/CS) and chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) nanoparticles are used in sustained release systems as medication and agrochemical carriers (Grillo et al, 2014; Silva et al, 2010).…”

Unveiling the Potential of Bioinoculants and Nanoparticles in Sustainable Agriculture for Enhanced Plant Growth and Food Security

“…To maintain a sustainable agricultural system, innovative solutions are becoming increasingly required. Further, nanotechnology-based strategies are effective tools for overcoming obstacles in the food and agriculture sectors, like the increasing need for food, food security, crop diseases, and environmental degradation [20]. Scientists have recently begun exploring nanomaterials with minimal adverse ecological impact to boost agricultural yield.…”

“…Future Prospects (a) Sustainable farming practices: bioinoculants and nanoparticles have the potential to contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Their adoption can enhance soil health, nutrient availability, and pest management [10,15,20] (b) Increased crop productivity: these technologies can improve crop productivity by promoting plant growth, enhancing nutrient uptake, and mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. This can lead to higher yields and improved food security [67] (c) Environmental benefits: bioinoculants and nanoparticles offer the opportunity to minimize the environmental impact of agriculture.…”

“…They can reduce nutrient runoff, soil erosion, and chemical pollution, supporting ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation [39] (d) Precision agriculture: integrating bioinoculants and nanoparticles with precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, can enable targeted application and optimize resource use. This can result in more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices [38,40,64] (e) Research and innovation: continued research and development in bioinoculants and nanoparticles will lead to the discovery of new applications, improved formulations, and enhanced understanding of their mechanisms of action [20,32,67]. This will further drive their adoption and effectiveness in agriculture…”

Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Antifungal Efficiency of Biogenic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

“…Various types of nanomaterials have been investigated as potential substitutes for the management of phytopathogenic fungi. These include carbon nanomaterials [26], nanopolymers [27], and metal nanoparticles [28][29][30]. Metal oxide nanoparticles have been widely recognized as a viable and environmentally sustainable option for managing phytopathogenic fungi in the field of agriculture [31,32].…”