Myconanoparticles as Potential Pest Control Agents

Abstract

Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary science which involves the study of phenomenon and manipulation of materials on ultra-small (nano)scale. Their nanostructure provides them an identity as key player in multidisciplinary approaches including agriculture, chemical industries, drug designing and drug delivery, electronics, fermentation technologies, and food processing industries. Specifically in medical diagnostics, chemicals and materials industry, drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering and biochemical sensors, fluorescent biological labelling, cancer treatment, bio-detection of pathogens, detection of proteins, and tissue engineering, nanoparticles are becoming very popular day by day. A number of microbes are used nowadays for the synthesis of nanoparticles; however, fungi are the prime choice because of their growth in the form of mycelial mesh, secretion of enzymes in large amounts, and easier approach to handle and manipulate them. The nanoparticles are generally generated extracellularly or intracellularly and are devoid of various impurities from the cell and can be used directly. Myconanoparticles emerge as outstanding solutions for various problems in the field of agriculture, pharmacy and other allied sciences. In agriculture, their role as pesticides, biofertilizers and in food industry is proving quite exceptional as they are eco-friendly, efficient and specific on target, easy to maintain and cost effective. Fungal agents are environmentally friendly, clean, nontoxic mediator for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and employ both intracellular and extracellular methods. We need to broaden our horizons and start looking for real practical approaches for the main gaps that hamper our jump from laboratory research into field applications.