Nanoparticles in agriculture: a concise review of applications and molecular mechanisms

Abstract

Nano-agriculture is a fast-growing interdisciplinary field advancing from lab research to practical field application to tackle global food security and agri-environmental challenges. This concise review summarizes the agronomic functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of typical nanoparticles, including metal oxides (ZnO, TiO2), carbon-based, silica, and elemental (Ag, Se, Cu) nanomaterials, which contribute to crop nutrient regulation, growth improvement, stress tolerance, disease suppression and targeted delivery of bioactive ingredients. The literature synthesis is based on peer-reviewed articles retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus (2015–2026) using keywords combining nanoparticle types with agricultural applications. We further evaluate their potential hazards regarding soil ecosystem deterioration, crop phytotoxicity and food-chain safety. Three key future research directions are outlined: developing stimuli-responsive smart agrochemical nanocarriers, combining nanobiosensing with artificial intelligence for real-time crop monitoring, and optimizing eco-friendly green synthesis of nanomaterials. Overall, this review provides a roadmap enabling nano-agriculture to evolve from discrete single-purpose nanoparticle usage toward integrated precise, intelligent and environmentally sustainable agro-nanosystems.