Jul 2026· Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis· Vol 57, pp. 1333 - 1395· 0 citations· 236 references
Abstract
ABSTRACT Climate change, soil degradation, resource depletion, and excessive agrochemical use necessitate sustainable agricultural innovations. Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance crop productivity, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Over the past 15 years, extensive research has explored nanoparticle (NP) mediated approaches for improving plant growth and resilience. This review provides a comprehensive account of emerging nano-enabled technologies, including nanoregulators, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanobiosensors (detection sensitivity nM to pM levels), and nanocarrier-assisted genome editing platforms. Beyond summarizing recent advances, the review critically examines the mechanistic basis of NP-mediated improvements in nutrient uptake (20–60%), seed germination, abiotic stress tolerance, disease management, pesticide resistance mitigation, genetic transformation, and tissue culture. The review identifies that nanoparticle efficacy is highly dose-dependent, with most laboratory studies reporting optimal plant responses at 10–50 mg L−1, highlighting the need for standardized field-scale dose optimization. The review also critically discusses nanotoxicological concerns, biosafety, regulatory frameworks, commercialization pathways highlighting the transition of nanobiotechnology from laboratory research toward practical agriculture. Model-based analysis suggests that high-efficiency nano-fertilizers (γ≈ 6) can achieve yields comparable to those obtained with 200 kg ha−1 of conventional fertilizer using only ~40 kg ha−1 of nano-fertilizer. The review further evaluates the commercialization status of nano-enabled agricultural products, highlighting the successful market deployment of formulations such as Nano Urea, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc, nanopesticides, nano seed coatings, and nanobiosensors. Finally, key scientific, regulatory, economic, and societal challenges are identified, and future priorities are proposed to facilitate the safe, scalable, and responsible deployment of nanobiotechnology for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTThe graphical abstract illustrates the diverse applications of nanobiotechnology in sustainable agriculture. It highlights the use of engineered nanoparticles and nanomaterials in precision nutrient delivery (nanofertilizers), targeted pest and disease management (nanopesticides), enhanced crop protection, stress tolerance, nanosensors for real-time monitoring of soil and plant health, and nano-enabled genetic engineering. These nanobiotechnological interventions improve nutrient use efficiency, increase crop productivity, reduce environmental pollution, and support climate-resilient, resource-efficient agricultural practices, thereby contributing to global food security and sustainable farming.Nanobiotech in Agriculture: Abiotic stress tolerance, essential nutrient uptake, disease control, genetic engineering and nanobiosensing.
Modern agriculture faces significant challenges due to excessive agrochemical use, resulting in environmental degradation and reduced sustainability. Bionanomaterials have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives, among which chitosan is widely recognised for its biodegradability, biocompatibility and multifunctional properties. This review demonstrates findings from recent studies (2015–25), highlighting that conventional nutrient use efficiency remains below 50 % for macronutrients and < 5 % for micronutrients, whereas chitosan-based nanomaterials (NMs) significantly enhance nutrient delivery and utilisation. These NMs function as nanofertilisers, nanocarriers, biostimulants and nanopesticides, improving nutrient uptake, enzymatic activity, stress tolerance and overall plant growth. From a physiological perspective, they enable controlled release, targeted delivery and modulation of metabolic processes, thereby enhancing crop productivity while reducing agrochemical dependence. However, key challenges persist, including limited field-scale validation, lack of long-term environmental safety data and absence of standardised formulations. Future research should focus on large-scale validation, mechanistic insights and integration with precision agriculture. Overall, chitosan-based nanotechnology offers a promising and sustainable strategy for advancing plant physiology, though its successful field application requires further validation and standardisation.
S. Garima, K. Subodh, P. Kailash et al.· Plant Science Today· 0 citations
Nano-agriculture is a fast-growing interdisciplinary field advancing from lab research to practical field application to tackle global food security and agri-environmental challenges. This concise review summarizes the agronomic functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of typical nanoparticles, including metal oxides (ZnO, TiO2), carbon-based, silica, and elemental (Ag, Se, Cu) nanomaterials, which contribute to crop nutrient regulation, growth improvement, stress tolerance, disease suppression and targeted delivery of bioactive ingredients. The literature synthesis is based on peer-reviewed articles retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus (2015–2026) using keywords combining nanoparticle types with agricultural applications. We further evaluate their potential hazards regarding soil ecosystem deterioration, crop phytotoxicity and food-chain safety. Three key future research directions are outlined: developing stimuli-responsive smart agrochemical nanocarriers, combining nanobiosensing with artificial intelligence for real-time crop monitoring, and optimizing eco-friendly green synthesis of nanomaterials. Overall, this review provides a roadmap enabling nano-agriculture to evolve from discrete single-purpose nanoparticle usage toward integrated precise, intelligent and environmentally sustainable agro-nanosystems.
Wenjun Wu, Yuangang Jiang, Jingyao Deng et al.· Bioscience Nanotechnology· 0 citations
Nanotechnology has appeared as a transformative approach in modern agriculture, by providing innovative solutions to enhance productivity, sustainability and resource efficiency. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation and application of materials at nanoscale (1-100nm), where unique physicochemical properties enhance performance compared to conventional material. In agriculture, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of innovative product such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, nanosensors and nano-enabled delivery systems. The application of Nano materials such as silver, gold, zinc oxide and iron oxide in agricultural systems enables targeted delivery of fertilizers, pesticides and nutrients, reducing environmental pollution and improving crop yield. Nano-enabled sensors and diagnostic tools facilitate precise monitoring of soil health, plant growth and pest infestations, promoting informed decision-making and precision farming. However, the comprehensive risk assessment, proper regulation and sustainable application strategies are essential for the safe integration of nanotechnology into the agricultural system. This review examine the use of nanotechnology to the development of smart packaging, post-harvest preservation, water management strategies, ensuring food security and quality in Agriculture. Despite its promising potential, the adoption of nanotechnology in agriculture requires careful assessment of its environmental impact, toxicity and regulatory frameworks. Overall, integrating nanotechnology into agricultural systems represents a significant step toward sustainable, efficient, high-yield farming practices and food security.
Awodiran Festus Tunde, Kareem Saliu Adeyemi, Alade Ayodele Olasoji· International journal of re...· 0 citations
The increase in global population and subsequent demand for food have led to intensive use of agrochemicals in agriculture to maximize productivity, triggering serious environmental consequences. In response to these challenges, organic farming is a viable alternative based on methods that promote natural resource conservation. However, a major challenge to its use is lower yields, limiting large-scale adoption. In this context, nanotechnology is an innovative tool capable of enhancing organic agricultural production through naturally derived nanomaterials such as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and soil amendments. The following review aims to analyze these naturally derived nanomaterials and assess their capacity to increase crop yields. This will determine whether these innovations can enable organic agriculture to achieve higher production levels. Additionally, there is the presentation of examples of commercially available naturally derived nanomaterials. This is followed by an examination of safety studies showing a variety of toxicological and ecotoxicological effects. Finally, an examination of regulatory frameworks related to nanomaterials reveals a lack of standardized regulations and permissions, creating uncertainty and delays in adopting new nanotechnologies in the organic agricultural sector. Naturally derived nanomaterials have the potential to enhance productivity indicators. However, it is crucial to promote international standards for regulatory permissions. It is only then that progress can be made toward the use of nanotechnology for a more efficient, ecological, and sustainable agriculture for the future.
Marta Acevedo, J. Govan· Sustainability· 0 citations
Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in the agri-food sector, offering innovative solutions to address the interconnected challenges of food security, sustainability, and environmental protection. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of nanotechnology applications across the entire agri-food production continuum—from pre-harvest crop management to post-harvest processing and packaging. We examine the role of nano fertilizers and nano pesticides in enhancing nutrient use efficiency and reducing chemical inputs, with studies demonstrating crop yield improvements of up to 30% and pesticide reduction of 40%. The review explores nano sensing technologies for real-time soil and plant health monitoring, smart delivery systems for targeted agrochemical release, and advanced nanocomposite packaging materials that extend shelf life while enabling real-time food quality monitoring. We critically assess the environmental and safety considerations associated with nanoparticle application, including impacts on soil microbiomes, potential for bioaccumulation, and the current regulatory landscape. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions to facilitate the responsible integration of nanotechnology into sustainable agri-food systems.
Nimai Das Bairagya, Rupashree Pramanik, S. Mondal· Journal of Advance Agricultu...· 0 citations
Over the past century, agrochemicals have boosted crop productivity and food supply, but concerns over environmental pollution and agricultural sustainability have increased interest in alternative technologies. Redox-active nanozymes are promising tools for regulating ROS-dependent stress responses and pollutant transformation, yet their agricultural use remains limited by insufficient mechanistic understanding. This review examines their major catalytic pathways involved in ROS generation, scavenging, and signaling in agroecosystems. Representative applications are discussed in crop protection, including abiotic-stress mitigation, pathogen control, and insecticide synergism through ROS homeostasis, antioxidant defense, hormone responses, photosynthetic maintenance, ion balance, and metabolic adjustment; and in agroenvironmental management, including detection and removal of pesticides, mycotoxins, antibiotics, heavy metals, and phenolic pollutants. Green synthesis and post-treatment strategies are also summarized. Finally, we discuss challenges in nanozyme design for agricultural scenarios, field stability and efficacy, economic feasibility, intrinsic toxicity, long-term environmental fate, and ecological risk.
Zi-Heng Zhou, Shuai Tang, Hongyu Wu et al.· ACS Applied Materials and In...· 0 citations
