Nanoscale Innovations in Agriculture: Advancing Sustainable Farming Through Nanobiotechnology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Climate change, soil degradation, resource depletion, and excessive agrochemical use necessitate sustainable agricultural innovations. Nanobiotechnology has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance crop productivity, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Over the past 15 years, extensive research has explored nanoparticle (NP) mediated approaches for improving plant growth and resilience. This review provides a comprehensive account of emerging nano-enabled technologies, including nanoregulators, nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanobiosensors (detection sensitivity nM to pM levels), and nanocarrier-assisted genome editing platforms. Beyond summarizing recent advances, the review critically examines the mechanistic basis of NP-mediated improvements in nutrient uptake (20–60%), seed germination, abiotic stress tolerance, disease management, pesticide resistance mitigation, genetic transformation, and tissue culture. The review identifies that nanoparticle efficacy is highly dose-dependent, with most laboratory studies reporting optimal plant responses at 10–50 mg L−1, highlighting the need for standardized field-scale dose optimization. The review also critically discusses nanotoxicological concerns, biosafety, regulatory frameworks, commercialization pathways highlighting the transition of nanobiotechnology from laboratory research toward practical agriculture. Model-based analysis suggests that high-efficiency nano-fertilizers (γ≈ 6) can achieve yields comparable to those obtained with 200 kg ha−1 of conventional fertilizer using only ~40 kg ha−1 of nano-fertilizer. The review further evaluates the commercialization status of nano-enabled agricultural products, highlighting the successful market deployment of formulations such as Nano Urea, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc, nanopesticides, nano seed coatings, and nanobiosensors. Finally, key scientific, regulatory, economic, and societal challenges are identified, and future priorities are proposed to facilitate the safe, scalable, and responsible deployment of nanobiotechnology for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTThe graphical abstract illustrates the diverse applications of nanobiotechnology in sustainable agriculture. It highlights the use of engineered nanoparticles and nanomaterials in precision nutrient delivery (nanofertilizers), targeted pest and disease management (nanopesticides), enhanced crop protection, stress tolerance, nanosensors for real-time monitoring of soil and plant health, and nano-enabled genetic engineering. These nanobiotechnological interventions improve nutrient use efficiency, increase crop productivity, reduce environmental pollution, and support climate-resilient, resource-efficient agricultural practices, thereby contributing to global food security and sustainable farming.Nanobiotech in Agriculture: Abiotic stress tolerance, essential nutrient uptake, disease control, genetic engineering and nanobiosensing.