Phytosynthesized Nanoparticles as Novel Antifungal Agent for Sustainable Agriculture: A Mechanistic Approach, Current Advances, and Future Directions

Abstract

Due to rapidly changing environmental conditions, virulent pathogens have arisen continuously that invades the crops and badly affects their yield and quality of the cash crops which results in economic losses. To overcome the prevalent infection of fungal pathogens, there is an utmost need to develop alternative techniques that avoid conventional agriculture practices. The use of various chemical fungicides is not an environmentally sustainable solution to fungal diseases because it produces environmental contamination and is dangerous for human health. Nanotechnology provides solutions to disease control issues in a significant way. The scientific and industrial systems are being changed by this development. Similarly, nano-based instruments are highly promising in the agriculture sector, particularly for the production of powerful formulations that require appropriate distribution of agrochemicals, nutrients, pesticides/insecticides, and even growth regulators for improved efficiency of use. Nanotechnology provides an inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and alternative effective monitoring of agricultural fungal pathogens. Green nanotechnology is an innovative methodology that revolutionized the field of agriculture to solve these problems. Despite increasing plant growth, nanoparticles meet the agriculture demand for high yield. This study mainly focuses on the promise of various methods for the treatment of fungal diseases through nanoparticles.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction

“… 115 For the first time alfalfa sprouts plant extract was used for the formulation of phytosynthesized metal nanoparticles. 116 We conclude that plants are considered a highly promising and exceptional source for nanoparticles synthesis.…”

“…144 In another study, the antifungal potential of nanoparticles is demonstrated as they produce reactive oxygen species that damage the macromolecular structures, block enzyme active sites, and inhibit all metabolic processes, which ultimately leads to cell death. 116 We summarize this mechanism by using the above-mentioned data in a graphic representation in Figure 8. However, applications of NPs in the management of AFs in the field are in the early stage.…”

“…The plant extract composition is also a major factor in the formation of nanoparticles, because different plants have different concentrations and types of phytochemicals . For the first time alfalfa sprouts plant extract was used for the formulation of phytosynthesized metal nanoparticles . We conclude that plants are considered a highly promising and exceptional source for nanoparticles synthesis.…”

“…As a result, there are noticeable changes in the configuration of the internal organelles of the fungi . In another study, the antifungal potential of nanoparticles is demonstrated as they produce reactive oxygen species that damage the macromolecular structures, block enzyme active sites, and inhibit all metabolic processes, which ultimately leads to cell death . We summarize this mechanism by using the above-mentioned data in a graphic representation in Figure .…”