Biogenic Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Sustainable Crop Production: A Review

Abstract

Chemical fertilizers have been considered an indispensable input of modern agriculture production systems since the green revolution, but these methods have associated some environmental and ecological impacts. The main cause of environmental pollution is the loss of nutrients in gaseous form and leaching from agricultural fields. Nanotechnology offers great potential to increase the production of fertilizers with desired chemical composition and high nutrient use efficiency. Nanotechnology may provide a significant opportunity in nanoparticles to develop concentrated forms of plant nutrients with high utilization efficacy, high absorption rate, and minimum losses. Nanofertilizers are being prepared by encapsulating nutrients into nanoparticles and delivered in nano-sized emulsions. Furthermore, controlled release and targeted delivery of nanoparticles can impart the potential of sustainable and precision agriculture. Nanotechnology has evolved in a multidisciplinary field within the past few decades and played a substantial role in agriculture, industry, and pharmacology. The amalgamation of biotechnology and nanotechnology has led to the foundation of nano-biofertilizers and nanomedicine. This article highlights the types of nanoparticles, biosynthesis of nanoparticles using microbes, and uptake mechanism of nanofertilizers by plants.