Nanobiosensors and nanoformulations in agriculture: new advances and challenges for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

In the current scenario of climate change, global agricultural systems are facing remarkable challenges in order to increase production, while reducing the negative environmental impact. Nano-enabled technologies have the potential to revolutionise farming practices by increasing the efficiency of inputs and minimising losses, as well as contributing to sustainable agriculture. Two promising applications of nanotechnology in agriculture are nanobiosensors and nanoformulations (NFs). Nanobiosensors can help detect biotic and abiotic stresses in plants before they affect plant production, while NFs can make agrochemicals, more efficient and less polluting. NFs are becoming new-age materials with a wide variety of nanoparticle-based formulations such as fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. They facilitate the site-targeted controlled delivery of agrochemicals enhancing their efficiency and reducing dosages. Smart farming aims to monitor and detect parameters related to plant health and environmental conditions in order to help sustainable agriculture. Nanobiosensors can provide real-time analytical data, including detection of nutrient levels, metabolites, pesticides, presence of pathogens, soil moisture, and temperature, aiding in precision farming practices, and optimising resource usage. In this review, we summarise recent innovative uses of NFs and nanobiosensors in agriculture that may boost crop protection and production, as well as reducing the negative environmental impact of agricultural activities. However, successful implementation of these smart technologies would require two special considerations: (i) educating farmers about appropriate use of nanotechnology, (ii) conducting field trials to ensure effectiveness under real conditions.

Keywords: nanobiosensors; nanoformulations; nanotechnology; plant protection; sustainable agriculture.

Figure 1.. Applications of nano-enabled technologies in agriculture.

Nano-based soil conditioner helps mitigate the effects of climate change. Nanobiosensors can be used for efficient crop protection contributing to precision farming. Nanoformulations contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing the enviromental impact of the agrochemicals. Nanobiotechnology improves yield plateaus.

Figure 2.. Schematic representation of major components of nanobiosensors and their mechanism.

Figure 3.. Enhanced characteristics of nanoformulations.

(A) Types of controlled release of exogenous cargo. NPs and NFs can release the active substance in response to stimulus or continuously over time. (B) Nanoformulations can be used for multiple plant protection purposes such as pest control (fungi, bacteria, virus, insects), weed control, pesticide remediation, enhancing beneficial microorganism from soil, etc.