1
|
Annamalai J, Seetharaman B, Sellamuthu I. Nanomaterials in the environment and their pragmatic voyage at various trophic levels in an ecosystem. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121307. [PMID: 38870799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
In the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials (NMs) have a huge credential in advancing the existing follow-ups of analytical and diagnosis techniques, drug designing, agricultural science, electronics, cosmetics, sports, textiles and water purification. However, NMs have also grasped attention of researchers onto their toxicity. In the present review, initially the development of notable NMs such as metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs), magnetic NPs, carbon-based NMs and quantum dots intended to be commercialized along with their applications are discussed. This is followed by the current scenario of NMs in the environment to widen the outlook on the concentration of NPs in the environmental compartments and the frequency of organism exposed to NPs at varied trophic levels. In order to understand the physiochemical and morphological significance of NPs in exhibiting toxicity, fate of NPs in the environment is briefly deliberated. This is further geared-up to glance in-sightedly on the organisms starting from primary producer to primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer and decomposers encountering NPs in their habitual niche. The state of NPs to which organisms are exposed, mechanism of NP uptake and toxicity, anomalies faced at each trophic level, concentration of NPs that is liable to cause toxicity and, biotransfer of NPs to the next generation and trophic level are detailed. Finally, the future prospects on bioaccumulation and biomagnification of NP-based products are conversed. Thus, the review would be noteworthy in unveiling the significance of NPs in forthcoming years combined with threat towards each organism in an ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayshree Annamalai
- Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Toxicology (EDART) Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India.
| | - Barathi Seetharaman
- Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Toxicology (EDART) Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India.
| | - Iyappan Sellamuthu
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ashraf H, Ghouri F, Liang J, Xia W, Zheng Z, Shahid MQ, Fu X. Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles-Based Amelioration of Cd Toxicity by Regulating Antioxidant Activity and Photosynthetic Parameters in a Line Developed from Wild Rice. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1715. [PMID: 38931146 PMCID: PMC11207486 DOI: 10.3390/plants13121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
An extremely hazardous heavy metal called cadmium (Cd) is frequently released into the soil, causing a considerable reduction in plant productivity and safety. In an effort to reduce the toxicity of Cd, silicon dioxide nanoparticles were chosen because of their capability to react with metallic substances and decrease their adsorption. This study examines the processes that underlie the stress caused by Cd and how SiO2NPs may be able to lessen it through modifying antioxidant defense, oxidative stress, and photosynthesis. A 100 μM concentration of Cd stress was applied to the hydroponically grown wild rice line, and 50 μM of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) was given. The study depicted that when 50 μM SiO2NPs was applied, there was a significant decrease in Cd uptake in both roots and shoots by 30.2% and 15.8% under 100 μM Cd stress, respectively. The results illustrated that Cd had a detrimental effect on carotenoid and chlorophyll levels and other growth-related traits. Additionally, it increased the levels of ROS in plants, which reduced the antioxidant capability by 18.8% (SOD), 39.2% (POD), 32.6% (CAT), and 25.01% (GR) in wild rice. Nevertheless, the addition of silicon dioxide nanoparticles reduced oxidative damage and the overall amount of Cd uptake, which lessened the toxicity caused by Cd. Reduced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including MDA and H2O2, and an increased defense system of antioxidants in the plants provided evidence for this. Moreover, SiO2NPs enhanced the Cd resistance, upregulated the genes related to antioxidants and silicon, and reduced metal transporters' expression levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humera Ashraf
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fozia Ghouri
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiabin Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Weiwei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhiming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim Shahid
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xuelin Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.A.); (F.G.); (J.L.); (W.X.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Breeding, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sethu Madhavan A, Montanez Hernandez LE, Gu ZR, Subramanian S. Effect of graphene on soybean root colonization by Bradyrhizobium strains. PLANT DIRECT 2023; 7:e522. [PMID: 37671087 PMCID: PMC10475502 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Legume crops such as soybean obtain a large portion of their nitrogen nutrition through symbiotic nitrogen fixation by diazotrophic rhizobia bacteria in root nodules. However, nodule occupancy by low-capacity nitrogen-fixing rhizobia can lead to lower-than-optimal levels of nitrogen fixation. Seed/root coating with engineered materials such as graphene-carrying biomolecules that may promote specific attraction/attachment of desirable bacterial strains is a potential strategy that can help overcome this rhizobia competition problem. As a first step towards this goal, we assessed the impact of graphene on soybean and Bradyrhizobium using a set of growth, biochemical, and physiological assays. Three different concentrations of graphene were tested for toxicity in soybean (50, 250, and 1,000 mg/l) and Bradyrhizobia (25, 50, and 100 mg/l). Higher graphene concentrations (250 mg/l and 1,000 mg/l) promoted seed germination but slightly delayed plant development. Spectrometric and microscopy assays for hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion suggested that specific concentrations of graphene led to higher levels of reactive oxygen species in the roots. In agreement, these roots also showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Conversely, no toxic effects were detected on Bradyrhizobia treated with graphene, and neither did they have higher levels of reactive oxygen species. Graphene treatments at 250 mg/l and 1,000 mg/l significantly reduced the number of nodules, but rhizobia infection and the overall nitrogenase activity were not affected. Our results show that graphene can be used as a potential vehicle for seed/root treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athira Sethu Madhavan
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant ScienceSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSouth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Zheng Rong Gu
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems EngineeringSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Senthil Subramanian
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant ScienceSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSouth DakotaUSA
- Department of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSouth DakotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miteu GD, Emmanuel AA, Addeh I, Ojeokun O, Olayinka T, Godwin JS, Adeyemo OI, Benneth EO. Nanoscience and technology as a pivot for sustainable agriculture and its One Health approach awareness. SCIENCE IN ONE HEALTH 2023; 2:100020. [PMID: 39077037 PMCID: PMC11262274 DOI: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Nanoscience and technology have shown promise in revitalizing the agricultural sector and industries. This tool has gained the interest of many researchers as it can be utilized to drive sustainable agriculture by suggesting long-lasting solutions to different problems in the agricultural space. However, there is a paucity of data on its health implications for the environment, plants, animals, and humans. This review evaluated the cost-effectiveness and productivity of nanoscience and technologies. The review highlighted the underlying health implications of nanoscience and technology from a One Health perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goshen David Miteu
- Food and Agricultural Technology Unit, Pan African Research Group, FAT-PARG, Nigeria
| | | | - Irenosen Addeh
- Food and Agricultural Technology Unit, Pan African Research Group, FAT-PARG, Nigeria
| | - Olayemi Ojeokun
- Food and Agricultural Technology Unit, Pan African Research Group, FAT-PARG, Nigeria
| | - Temidayo Olayinka
- Food and Agricultural Technology Unit, Pan African Research Group, FAT-PARG, Nigeria
| | - James Sunday Godwin
- Food and Agricultural Technology Unit, Pan African Research Group, FAT-PARG, Nigeria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lahuta LB, Szablińska-Piernik J, Stałanowska K, Horbowicz M, Górecki RJ, Railean V, Pomastowski P, Buszewski B. Exogenously Applied Cyclitols and Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Affect the Soluble Carbohydrate Profiles of Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) Seedling. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1627. [PMID: 37111851 PMCID: PMC10145852 DOI: 10.3390/plants12081627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cyclitols, such as myo-inositol and its isomers and methyl derivatives (i.e., d-chiro-inositol and d-pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol)), are classified as osmolytes and osmoprotectants and are significantly involved in plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and cold. Moreover, d-pinitol demonstrates a synergistic effect with glutathione (GSH), increasing its antioxidant properties. However, the role of cyclitols in plant protection against stresses caused by metal nanoparticles is not yet known. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol and d-pinitol on wheat germination, seedling growth and changes in the profile of soluble carbohydrates in response to biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles ((Bio)Ag NPs). It was found that cyclitols were absorbed by germinating grains and transported within the growing seedlings but this process was disrupted by (Bio)Ag NPs. Cyclitols applied alone induced sucrose and 1-kestose accumulation in seedlings slightly, while (Bio)Ag NP doubled the concentrations of both sugars. This coincided with a decrease in monosaccharides; i.e., fructose and glucose. Cyclitols and (Bio)Ag NPs present in the endosperm resulted in reductions in monosaccharides, maltose and maltotriose, with no effect on sucrose and 1-kestose. Similar changes occurred in seedlings developing from primed grains. Cyclitols that accumulated in grain and seedlings during grain priming with d-pinitol and glutathione did not prevent the phytotoxic effects of (Bio)Ag NPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesław B. Lahuta
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 1A/103, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Szablińska-Piernik
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 1A/103, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Stałanowska
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 1A/103, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marcin Horbowicz
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 1A/103, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ryszard J. Górecki
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego Street 1A/103, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Viorica Railean
- Department of Infectious, Invasive Diseases and Veterinary Administration, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Gagarina 7, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Paweł Pomastowski
- Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Bogusław Buszewski
- Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mishra S, Mishra S, Patel SS, Singh SP, Kumar P, Khan MA, Awasthi H, Singh S. Carbon nanomaterials for the detection of pesticide residues in food: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 310:119804. [PMID: 35926736 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In agricultural fields, pesticides are widely used, but their residual presence in the environment poses a threat to humans, animals, insects, and ecosystems. The overuse of pesticides for pest control, enhancement of crop yield, etc. leaves behind a significant residual amount in the environment. Various robust, reliable, and reusable methods using a wide class of composites have been developed for the monitoring and controlling of pesticides. Researchers have discovered that carbon nanomaterials have a wide range of characteristics such as high porosity, conductivity and easy electron transfer that can be successfully used to detect pesticide residues from food. This review emphasizes the role of carbon nanomaterials in the field of pesticide residue analysis in different food matrices. The carbon nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, carbon nanofibers, graphene/graphene oxides, and activated carbon fibres are discussed in the review. In addition, the review examines future prospects in this research area to help improve detection techniques for pesticides analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Mishra
- Industrial Waste Utilization, Nano and Biomaterial Division, CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462026, India
| | - Shivangi Mishra
- Pesticide Toxicology Laboratory & Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shiv Singh Patel
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Water Resources Management and Rural Technology, CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh- 462026, India
| | - Sheelendra Pratap Singh
- Pesticide Toxicology Laboratory & Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pradip Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Green Engineered Materials and Additive Manufacturing, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal - 462026, India
| | - Mohd Akram Khan
- Industrial Waste Utilization, Nano and Biomaterial Division, CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462026, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Himani Awasthi
- Hygia Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Lucknow-226020, India
| | - Shiv Singh
- Industrial Waste Utilization, Nano and Biomaterial Division, CSIR- Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462026, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Groppa MD, Zawoznik MS, Benavides MP, Iannone MF. Beneficial effects of magnetite nanoparticles on soybean-Bradyrhizobium japonicum and alfalfa-Sinorhizobium meliloti associations. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2022; 180:42-49. [PMID: 35381465 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs)-based growth stimulators have promising usage in agriculture. This research analyzed the impact of citric acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs; 50 mg Fe L-1) added once at pre-sowing on soybean and alfalfa seedlings growing in association with their corresponding microsymbiont partners, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Sinorhizobium meliloti; also on the in vitro growth rate of these microorganisms. Fe-EDTA (50 mg Fe L-1) was used as a comparator. Fe3O4-NPs significantly augmented the growth rate constant (7-17%) and extracellular polysaccharides production of both microsymbionts (B. japonicum: 2-fold; S. meliloti: 43%), which probably favored bacterial adhesion to the root hairs. In both legumes, Fe3O4-NPs increased chlorophyll content (up to 56% in soybean) and improved plant growth, evidenced by a greater root biomass system (80-90% higher than the control), and increased shoot biomass (30-40%). Besides, Fe3O4-NPs addition resulted in earlier nodule formation and enhanced nodule biomass (about 2.5-fold in both species). Nodules were mainly located in the crown of the root in the NP50 treatment, while they were evenly distributed along lateral roots in the control and the comparator. Fe3O4-NPs also augmented significantly nodule leghemoglobin content (∼50-70%) and total N in legumes' shoots (ca. 20%). CAT activity increased only under NP50 treatment and no symptoms of oxidative damage were evidenced. In this work, we found that besides not being toxic neither to soybean and alfalfa plants nor to their microsymbiont partners, Fe3O4-NPs do not exert adverse effects on the symbioses establishment; oppositely, a more efficient nodulation pattern was verified in both plant species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Daniela Groppa
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Sara Zawoznik
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Patricia Benavides
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Iannone
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, 1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ali SS, Al-Tohamy R, Koutra E, Moawad MS, Kornaros M, Mustafa AM, Mahmoud YAG, Badr A, Osman MEH, Elsamahy T, Jiao H, Sun J. Nanobiotechnological advancements in agriculture and food industry: Applications, nanotoxicity, and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148359. [PMID: 34147795 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The high demand for sufficient and safe food, and continuous damage of environment by conventional agriculture are major challenges facing the globe. The necessity of smart alternatives and more sustainable practices in food production is crucial to confront the steady increase in human population and careless depletion of global resources. Nanotechnology implementation in agriculture offers smart delivery systems of nutrients, pesticides, and genetic materials for enhanced soil fertility and protection, along with improved traits for better stress tolerance. Additionally, nano-based sensors are the ideal approach towards precision farming for monitoring all factors that impact on agricultural productivity. Furthermore, nanotechnology can play a significant role in post-harvest food processing and packaging to reduce food contamination and wastage. In this review, nanotechnology applications in the agriculture and food sector are reviewed. Implementations of nanotechnology in agriculture have included nano- remediation of wastewater for land irrigation, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanosensors, while the beneficial effects of nanomaterials (NMs) in promoting genetic traits, germination, and stress tolerance of plants are discussed. Furthermore, the article highlights the efficiency of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanozymes in food processing and packaging. To this end, the potential risks and impacts of NMs on soil, plants, and human tissues and organs are emphasized in order to unravel the complex bio-nano interactions. Finally, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of nanotechnology are evaluated and discussed to provide a broad and clear view of the nanotechnology potentials, as well as future directions for nano-based agri-food applications towards sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Eleni Koutra
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece; INVALOR: Research Infrastructure for Waste Valorization and Sustainable Management, University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Mohamed S Moawad
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt; Nanoscience Program, Zewail City of Science and Technology, 6th of October, Giza 12588, Egypt
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece; INVALOR: Research Infrastructure for Waste Valorization and Sustainable Management, University Campus, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Ahmed M Mustafa
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resourses Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Yehia A-G Mahmoud
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Abdelfattah Badr
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E H Osman
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Haixin Jiao
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|