INTRODUCTION-
Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi coined
the word nanotechnology, and it is now considered a promising multidisciplinary
field with great promise in both the medical and agricultural sectors [1].
Nanotechnology is the subject of understanding, creating, and managing matter
with a size between one and one hundred nanometers. As a result of the unique
properties of matter at the nanoscale, the technique can be used to create
materials with novel applications across a wide range of industries. According
to Laurent et al. [2], nanoparticles (NPs) are incredibly
small materials composed of carbon, metal oxides, metal, or organic matter with
at least one dimension of less than 100 nm. It is possible to manufacture NPs
using nanotechnology.
They can be divided into
four categories based on their dimensionality: zero, one, two, and three [3].
They can also be divided into groups according to their chemical, physical, and
compositional characteristics: Carbon-based, organic, and inorganic
Nanoparticles. Due to the impact that size has on the physiochemical
characteristics of matter, these materials are incredibly fascinating due to
their ability to tune properties of interest precisely. The surface to volumes
ratio of these materials is also a major factor in their high reactivity. These
qualities in both agriculture and medicine make them ideal candidates for
developing novel products. In the past few decades, nanomedicine has evolved as
a brand-new field of medicine that uses nanotechnology for the early detection,
better diagnosis, and treatment of several disorders. The already available
nanomedicine devices cover various uses, from bioimaging and diagnostics to
medication delivery and medicines. For quick disease diagnostics and
molecular-level disease management, several nanomaterials are already being
used as alternative tools [4].
Nanotechnology is also
impacting agriculture, which is the backbone of most developing countries. Food
production relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to meet global
demand and protect crops, which causes environmental contamination and health
problems. Innovations in nanotechnology have merged seamlessly with traditional
agricultural practices to promote sustainable agriculture. By combining
nanotechnology and agrochemicals, nano-agrochemicals have transformed
agriculture with products like nano fertilizers, nano pesticides, nano
insecticides, nano fungicides, and nano herbicides. Nanoagrochemicals are
eco-friendly and cheaper than conventional agrochemicals because they are more
efficient.
Further, farmers benefit
from the increased quantity and quality of crops. Although nano agrochemicals
have several benefits, they have yet to reach their full potential. Among the
major obstacles to nanoparticles' global acceptance are environmental and human
health safety concerns linked to their tendency to accumulate in living systems
and the environment. It has been shown that NPs can harm living cells, causing
genotoxicity, cell death, metaplasia, inflammation, hypertrophy, and even
carcinogenesis [5] primarily because they make reactive oxygen
species [6]. In the present review, the uses, and applications of
nanoparticles in biomedicine for the control, diagnosis and treatment of
various diseases and agriculture for controlling and managing pest and crop
production (Fig. 1).
.png)
Fig. 1: Application of
Nanotechnology in Biomedicine and Agriculture
Uses and applications of
Nanoparticles in Agriculture- Agriculture is the main
source of livelihood for most developing countries. Agriculture is under
tremendous strain to feed an ever-increasing and mammoth population. Agricultural
production poses several global concerns, including sustainability, climate
change, and environmental safety, as it strives to increase crop yields. With
nanoparticles, agricultural production can be increased sustainably while
adverse effects can be minimized. According to estimates, nearly a third of the
world's food production is lost annually [7]. Nano-based
agrochemicals can improve agricultural practices and agriculture. As
nanomaterials are small in size, have a high surface-to-volume ratio, and
possess a variety of optical properties, they are ideal candidates for
nutritional improvement, plant protection, and farm management practices since
they can revolutionize crop production [8] (Fig. 2). Nanotechnology
has attracted the attention of several researchers. Nanotechnology will enable
the controlled and site-specific delivery of active compounds to plants in the
next generation of fertilizers and insecticides. A lot of promising
agrochemicals have been developed in the last few years. Nanofertilizers
promote faster germination, increase plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic
challenges, and increase plant growth while minimizing environmental impact,
according to [9].
.png)
Fig.
2: Applications of Nanoparticles in Agriculture for pest management and
crop production
Nanoparticle-based
fertilizers- Using too much chemical
fertilizer to boost yield reduces soil fertility,
contaminates land and water, and poses health risks. It is anticipated that
additional fertilizer applications will help meet the challenge of the rising
demand for food. Advances in nanotechnology can limit the need for chemical
fertilizers and their harmful consequences on the environment and human health.
Based on how they are made, there are three basic categories for nano
fertilizers. A fertilizer scaled down to the size of nanoparticles is called a
nanoscale fertilizer. Traditional fertilizers with nanoscale additives and
nanoscale-coated fertilizers are two nanoscale additives [10].
Nanocomposite structures form when nutrients are coated with nanofilms or
interposed in nanopores of a carrier material,
allowing nutrients to be released in controlled ways [11].
Incorporating fertilizers with nanoparticles has many benefits, like
accelerating nutrient uptake, reducing
nutrient loss, and improving crop quality and yield. The potential of NPs as
fertilizers has been demonstrated in several studies. Iqbal [12] found
that foliar application of magnesium and iron NPs increased growth,
photosynthesis, and seed weight in Vigna unguiculata. Peanut seedling
growth was improved by 30% with Ca NPs and humic acids. As NPs based
fertilizers are smaller than pores on plant cell walls, they may increase
nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE). NP-based fertilizers can be applied to
foliage or soil, enhancing nutrient uptake via foliar and root routes.
Nanoparticles-based pesticides- As phytophagous insect
pests, insects attack crops in enormous numbers, causing enormous damage [13].
Insecticides are the quickest and cheapest way to control these pests. Various
issues have arisen due to the careless use of these synthetic chemicals,
including negative impacts on humans, domestic animals, pollinating insects,
the environment, and the introduction of these chemicals directly or indirectly
into our ecosystems. By using nanotechnology, manufacturers can also manipulate
the properties of carriers so that active ingredients are released meticulously
without harming non-target insects or other organisms. A thin-walled shell is
used as a protective layer in nano-encapsulation techniques to protect active compounds of pesticides [14].
Using silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) against Sitophilus oryzae has shown
promising results [15]. Rastogi et al. [16] show
that SiO2 NPs cause digestive tract impairment or integument surface
expansion in Callosobruchus maculatus. There have also been reports of
insecticidal properties of Ag and Ag-Zn nanoparticles against Aphis nerii
[17].
Nanoparticles-based fungicides- There is a significant
loss of crops due to fungal diseases attacking field crops. In the case of some
major crops, the loss may be as high as 70% resulting in significant economic
and yield losses [18]. Despite the availability of conventional
fungicides, they threaten biodiversity due to their non-specific nature. As a
result, an alternative solution that is specific or precise is necessary to
address the issue of fungal diseases [19]. In this area, NPs have
shown promising results. Rao and Paria [20]
reported that Ag ions and AgNPs have antifungal properties. According to Wakeil
et al. [21], sulfur nanoparticles
are efficient nano-pesticides against Fusarium solani and Venturia
inaequalis. CuNPs and AgNPs have been shown by Ouda [22] to have
antifungal effects against Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea.
Moreover, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternative, Fusarium oxysporum,
and Mucor plumbeus were all resistant to the antifungal effects of ZnO
and MgO nanoparticles.
In
addition to ensuring food security, nanotechnology also benefits the
environment, the economy, and ecology by reducing the frequency with which
pesticides and fertilizers are applied, lowering their environmental impact,
minimizing their effects on non-target organisms, and increasing agricultural
output. Since metals and nonmetals used to manufacture nanomaterials have the potential
may be harmful to humans, plants, and the environment. In typical synthesis
techniques, NPs are reduced using chemical compounds and organic solvents,
which can be hazardous to the environment. It is necessary to find a method of
producing nanomaterials that is both affordable and kind to the environment
while keeping their versatility. Leading the charge is environmentally
friendly-nanoparticle synthesis. Environmentally friendly, energy-efficient,
and lowering the risk of execution and other health issues, the green synthesis
of nanoparticles uses bacteria, algae, plant extracts, fungi, and other
biomolecules [23]. In green nanotechnology, nanomaterials can reduce
toxicity, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides currently essential to sustain
agricultural food production and prevent unwanted and harmful by-products.
CONCLUSIONS-
In
agriculture and health care, nanotechnology offers a lot of potential. Many
types of research proving various uses in agriculture and medicine have
exploded in recent years. Without question, nanotechnology is bringing
previously unthinkable phenomena into reality. Although the applications are
not currently financially viable, they could transform agriculture, lessen the
damaging effects of modern agriculture on the environment, and enhance crop
yields. This technology must overcome difficulties like increasing production
scale and bringing goods to market while cutting costs and time. Several safety
issues must be resolved before nanotechnology can be widely accepted in medicine
and agriculture. It has yet to be confirmed whether highly reactive
nanomaterial can act as transporters for poisons to enter cells or if they
build up non-soluble nanoparticles. To find out how nanomaterial affects living
systems, more research is needed. Only risk assessment studies can answer
safety questions and ensure a product is safe before approval. To the benefits
of nanotechnology, risk assessment studies must keep pace with advancement.
Future Perspectives- Nanotechnology
has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry. Material design in
nanomedicine has advanced significantly during the last 20 years. Clinical
needs-driven research, based on suggestions from clinical specialists, is
necessary for the field's continued development. We will be able to create
resources that address clinical requirements. Despite the numerous developments
in this area, much work still must be done because of the enormous potential of
this nanotechnology-based therapy. Nanomedicine will need to create low-cost
diagnostics for microbial infections, genetic predisposition, and illness early
detection in the future. Patients will receive treatments or therapies with
less intrusion and tailored care. The numerous studies in the review
demonstrate a strong belief that trimetallic nanoparticles and nanoparticles
based on biopesticide formulations have a promising future and the potential to
create safer and more efficient bio-pesticide formulations to control pests,
bringing about some early changes in the industry. However, due to the latent
toxicity of nanoparticles, more study is needed to determine how the substance
affects people and the environment. Plants or plant extracts can be used to
create trimetallic nanomaterials. Shape and dimension changes can be made by
modifying synthesis techniques, lowering the risk of using them. To make pest
management more environmentally friendly, green technology-based nanoparticle
formulations must be improved.
Acknowledgements- The authors acknowledge
the facilities provided by Head and Principal Investigator RUSA Thematic
Project number 5 Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
CONTRIBUTION OF AUTHORS
Research concept:
Sandeep Kumar Choudhary, Ram Niwas Jangir, Shashi Meena, Rahul Tiwari
Research Design:
Sandeep Kumar Choudhary, Pratap Chand Mali
Supervision:
Pratap Chand Mali
Literature search:
Sandeep Kumar Choudhary, Ram Niwas Jangir, Shashi Meena, Rahul Tiwari
Writing article:
Ashwini Sajjan
Critical review:
Pratap Chand Mali,
Article editing:
Sandeep Kumar Choudhary, Ram Niwas Jangir, Shashi Meena, Rahul Tiwari
Final Approval:
Pratap Chand Mali
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