Lec 14 – Nano technology in agriculture – Nano fertilizers, nano pesticides and

soil binders, nano sensors

 Use of nanotechnology in seed, water, fertilizer, and plant protection for scaling-up farm
productivity

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and increase farm productivity by
improving seed quality, water and nutrient uptake, and plant protection.

Here are some ways nanotechnology can be used in these areas:

Seed
Seed treatment involves the application of nanomaterials to seeds before planting to
improve their germination rate, nutrient uptake, and overall growth.
Nanotechnology can improve seed quality and performance by enhancing seed
germination, early plant growth, and stress tolerance. Nano-coatings can be used to protect seeds
from pests and diseases and to improve water absorption and nutrient uptake. Nanoparticles can
also be used to deliver beneficial substances to seeds, such as growth regulators and
micronutrients.

Here are some ways in which nanotechnology is being used in seed to scale up farm productivity:
1. Nanopriming: This is a technique in which seeds are coated with nanoparticles to improve their
germination and early growth. Nanopriming improves seed hydration, enhances the activity of
enzymes, and helps to protect seeds from environmental stresses. This results in faster germination,
better seedling growth, and increased crop yields.
2. Nanosensors: Nanosensors are being developed to monitor seed health, detect pathogens, and
monitor the environment around the seed. These sensors can detect changes in temperature,
humidity, and light, which can impact seed germination and growth. By using nanosensors,
farmers can optimize the conditions for seed growth and prevent crop losses due to environmental
stresses.
3. Nanoencapsulation: Nanoencapsulation is a process in which nutrients, pesticides, and other
compounds are encapsulated in nanoparticles and applied to seeds. This helps to protect the
nutrients and pesticides from degradation and ensures that they are released slowly over time,
providing plants with a steady supply of nutrients and protection from pests and diseases.
4. Nanocarriers: Nanocarriers are being used to deliver beneficial compounds directly to the seed.
For example, nanoparticles can be used to deliver plant growth-promoting hormones, such as
auxins and cytokinins, directly to the seed. This can enhance seed germination, improve root
development, and increase plant growth.
By using nanotechnology in seed, farmers can produce healthier, more robust plants that are better
equipped to withstand environmental stresses and pests. This can result in higher crop yields and
improved food security.
 Water

Nanotechnology can also be used to enhance water management in agriculture, which can lead to
increased crop yield and water use efficiency. Nanofilters can be used to remove pollutants and
pathogens from irrigation water, while nano absorbents can be used to capture and release water
for plants. Nanosensors can also be used to monitor soil moisture levels and optimize irrigation
scheduling.
Here are some ways nanotechnology can be used in water for scaling-up farm productivity:
1. Nanofiltration: Nanofiltration membranes can be used to remove impurities and contaminants
from irrigation water, making them suitable for crops. These membranes have nanoscale pores that
allow for the selective removal of particles based on their size and charge.
2. Nanoparticle-based water treatment: Nanoparticles such as silver, iron oxide, and titanium
dioxide can be used to treat water for agricultural use. These particles can remove contaminants
and bacteria from water, improving its quality and reducing the risk of plant diseases.
3. Nano-sensors for water quality monitoring: Nano-sensors can be used to monitor water quality
parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. This real-time
monitoring can help farmers optimize water use and reduce waste.
4. Nanoparticle-based water retention: Nanoparticles such as hydrogels can be used to improve
the water-holding capacity of the soil, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. These particles
can absorb and release water, improving plant growth and yield.
Overall, the use of nanotechnology in water management can lead to improved water use efficiency
and increased crop productivity.

Fertilizer

Nanotechnology has significant potential for improving the efficiency of fertilizer use in
agriculture, which can lead to increased crop productivity and reduced environmental
impact. Some of the key applications of nanotechnology in fertilizers are:
1. Nano-fertilizers: Nano-fertilizers are made up of nanoparticles of nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium. These nanoparticles have a much larger surface area than conventional
fertilizers, which allows for more efficient uptake of nutrients by plants. Nano-fertilizers can also
be designed to release nutrients slowly over time, which reduces the need for multiple applications
of fertilizer and reduces nutrient losses due to leaching.
2. Nano-coatings: Nano-coatings can be applied to conventional fertilizers to improve their
efficiency. These coatings can be designed to release nutrients slowly over time, which reduces
the need for multiple applications of fertilizer and reduces nutrient losses due to leaching. They
can also be designed to protect the fertilizer from being broken down by soil microbes, which
improves the longevity of the fertilizer.
3. Nano-sensors: Nano-sensors can be used to monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, and other
parameters in real-time. This information can be used to optimize fertilizer application rates and
timing, which can improve the efficiency of fertilizer use and reduce environmental impact.
Overall, the use of nanotechnology in fertilizers has the potential to significantly improve the
efficiency of fertilizer use in agriculture, which can lead to increased crop productivity and reduced
environmental impact. However, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term
effects of nanotechnology on soil and plant health, as well as the potential risks associated with
the use of nanotechnology in agriculture.

Plant Protection

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize plant protection methods, making them more
efficient and environmentally friendly.
Some of the ways in which nanotechnology can be used in plant protection for scaling-up farm
productivity include:
1. Nanoparticle-based pesticides: Nanoparticle-based pesticides can be designed to have specific
properties such as increased stability, improved solubility, and targeted delivery to pests. They can
also be designed to be more effective against a wider range of pests, reducing the need for multiple
pesticides.
2. Nanosensors: Nanosensors can be used to detect and monitor pest and disease outbreaks in real-
time, enabling farmers to take timely preventive measures. They can also be used to monitor the
effectiveness of pesticides and other plant protection products.
3. Nanocoatings: Nanocoatings can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases by providing a
physical barrier. They can also be used to improve the efficacy of pesticides by improving their
adhesion to plant surfaces.
4. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems: Nanoparticle-based delivery systems can be used to
deliver nutrients and other beneficial compounds to plants. They can be designed to release these
compounds over an extended period, ensuring that plants have a constant supply of nutrients.
5. Nanobiosensors: Nanobiosensors can be used to detect plant stress and nutrient deficiencies in
real-time, enabling farmers to take timely corrective actions. They can also be used to monitor soil
conditions and nutrient levels, enabling farmers to adjust fertilizer application rates as needed.

Nano-pesticides- Nano-pesticides are plant protection chemicals, in which either the active
ingredient or the carrier molecule is developed through nanotechnology
 The major aim in the development of nano-pesticides is to lessen the environmental hazards
of a pesticide active ingredient through improving the efficacy of a chemical
 The size of a nanopaticle generally ranges 1-100 nanometer and a nanometer is one
billionth of a meter. When the size gets this small, particles reach a very large surface area
and thus more volume of pesticides get contact with the pests.
Formulations of Nano-pesticides
Nano-pesticides are formulated according to their intended purpose as formulations
improving solubility, slow release of active ingredients, prevent degradation etc.
Some foremost nano-formulations are:
 Nano-emulsions: In this formulation active ingredient of the chemical is dispersed as
nanosized droplets in water, with surfactant molecules confined at the pesticide-water
interface
 Nano-suspension: Nano-suspensions, also termed as nano-dispersions, are formulated by
dispersing the pesticide as solid nanosized particles in aqueous media
 Polymer based nano-particles: Polymer-based pesticide nanocarriers are majorly
deployed in the slow and controlled release of active ingredients to the target site
 Nano-encapsulation: This confines the hydrophobic or hydrophilic active ingredient,
surrounded by a polymer coating or membrane.
 Nanogels: These are also known also hydrogel nanopartciles. These are formulated by
cross linking of polymeric particles having hydrophilic groups
 Nano-fibres: Nano-fibres are developed through electrospinning, thermal induced phase
separation
Advantages of Nano-pesticides
 Improved solubility of active ingredients
 Better stability of formulation
 Slow release of active ingredient
 Improved mobility
 Higher surface area
 Uniform leaf coverage
 Improve pesticide utilization
 Nano-formulations improve adhesion of droplets to plant surface
 Eco-friendly approach

Nano-fertilizers - Nano-fertilizers are nutrient carriers of Nano-dimensions capable of

holding bountiful of nutrient ions due to their high surface area and release it slowly and
steadily that commensurate with crop demand
 Nutrient use efficiencies of conventional fertilizers hardly exceed 30-35 %, 18-20 % and
35-40 % for N, P and K respectively. The data remain constant for the past several decade
 Nano particles have extensive surface area and capable of holding abundance of nutrients
and release it slowly and steadily such that it facilitates uptake of nutrients matching the
crop requirement without any associated ill effects of customized fertilizer inputs.
 Encapsulation of fertilizers within a nano particle is one of these new facilities which are
done in three ways :
  The nutrient can be encapsulated inside nanoporous materials Coated with thin polymer
film
 Delivered as particle or emulsions of nano scales dimensions
 In addition, nanofertilizers will combine nano devices in order to synchronize the release
of fertilizer N and P with their uptake by crops, so preventing undesirable nutrient losses
to soil, water and air via direct internalization by crops, and avoiding the interaction of
nutrients with soil, microorganisms, water, and air.
Biosensor - A biosensor is a analytical device that combines a biological sensing element with
a transducer to produce a signal proportional to the analyte concentration.
Nanotechnology utilizes chromatographic principle coupled with immunological
recognition system to detect plant diseases.
Examples:
 Lateral Flow Immunological Assay (LFIA)
 Dip Stick Method for Banana Viral Diseases and Potato Viral Diseases,
 Magnetic NPs For Quick Diagnosis of Viral Diseases
 Biochip For Early Detection of Diseases
 Diagnostic Kit for Aflatoxin Detection
 Sensor to Detect Pest Incidence

Advantages related to transformed formulation of conventional fertilizer using technology

Application of nanotech in Energy

 Nanotechnology is improving the efficiency of fuel production from raw petroleum

materials through better catalysis. It is also enabling reduced fuel consumption in vehicles
and power plants through higher-efficiency combustion and decreased friction.
 Nanotechnology is also being applied to oil and gas extraction through, for example, the
use of nanotechnology-enabled gas lift valves in offshore operations or the use of
nanoparticles to detect microscopic down-well oil pipeline fractures.
 Researchers are investigating carbon nanotube “scrubbers” and membranes to separate
carbon dioxide from power
plant exhaust.

 Researchers are developing wires

containing carbon nanotubes
(CNT) that will have much lower
resistance than the high-tension
wires currently used in the electric
grid, thus reducing transmission
power loss.

 Nanotechnology can be
incorporated into solar panels to
convert sunlight to electricity
more efficiently, promising
inexpensive solar power in the
future. New solar panel films
 Nanostructured solar cells could incorporate nanoparticles to
be cheaper to manufacture and create lightweight, flexible
easier to install, since they can use solar cells. (Image courtesy
print-like manufacturing processes of Nanosys)
and can be made in flexible rolls
rather than discrete panels. Newer
research suggests that future solar
converters might even be
“paintable.”
 Nanotechnology is already being
used to develop many new kinds of
batteries that are quicker-charging, more efficient, lighter weight, have a higher power
density, and hold electrical charge longer.
 In the area of energy harvesting, researchers are developing thin-film solar electric panels
that can be fitted onto computer cases and flexible piezoelectric nanowires woven into
clothing to generate usable energy on the go from light, friction, and/or body heat to power
mobile electronic devices.
 Similarly, various nanoscience-based options are being pursued to convert waste heat in
computers, automobiles, homes, power plants, etc., to usable electrical power.
  Energy efficiency and energy saving products are increasing in number and types of
application. In addition to those noted above, nanotechnology is enabling more efficient
lighting systems; lighter and stronger vehicle chassis materials for the transportation sector;
lower energy consumption in advanced electronics; and light-responsive smart coatings for
glass.

Application of nanotechnology in Environment

In addition to the ways that nanotechnology can help improve energy efficiency (see the section
above), there are also many ways that it can help detect and clean up environmental contaminants:

 Nanotechnology could help meet the need for affordable, clean drinking water through
rapid, low-cost detection and treatment of impurities in water.
 Engineers have developed a thin film membrane with nanopores for energy-efficient
desalination. This molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) membrane filtered two to five times
more water than current conventional filters.
 Nanoparticles are being developed to clean industrial water pollutants in ground water
through chemical reactions that render the pollutants harmless. This process would cost
less than methods that require pumping the water out of the ground for treatment.
 Many airplane cabin and other types of air filters are nanotechnology-based filters that
allow “mechanical filtration,” in which the fiber material creates nanoscale pores that trap
particles larger than the size of the pores. The filters also may contain charcoal layers that
remove odors.
 Nanotechnology-enabled sensors and solutions are now able to detect and identify
chemical or biological agents in the air and soil with much higher sensitivity than ever
before.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Health science

1. Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a procedure to replace a defective gene in the DNA (which is responsible for
causing a disease) with a normal gene. The gene is usually inserted into the stem cells using a
vector
2. Targeted Drug Delivery
Nanovectors have great potential in target-specific drug delivery for the treatment of various
diseases.
3. Nanotechnology in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Nanomedicine involves the implementation of nanotechnology in the treatment, screening,
and diagnosis of various diseases, including cancer, and has the potential to revolutionize public
and individual health . In the formulation of various drugs for cancer treatment and in the discovery
of cancer biomarkers, nanotechnology plays a vital role. Through prediction, personalized therapy,
diagnosis, medicine, and the prevention of cancer, it also contributes comprehensive techniques
and worthy approaches against cancer.
 Metallic NPs have shown a capacity for implementation in targeted hyperthermic therapy,
particularly in the case of carbon nanotubes, gold silica nanoshells, iron oxide nanoparticles, and
solid gold NPs. To treat deep tissue cancers, iron oxide NPs have been employed as both
therapeutic and diagnostic nanoscale agents
4. Treating Cardiovascular Diseases through Nanosystems
5. Treatment of Genetic Disorders
6. Antimicrobial property of nano silver

Nanotoxicology
Science of engineered nanodevices and nanostructures that deals with their effects in
living organisms
Eg; nZnO toxicity to Arabidiopsis thaliana,
SWCNT : Toxic to Rice
Nano toxicity
 Nanotoxicity in plants may be through physical or chemical modes of action. Physical
nanotoxicity is closely associated with the restricted flow of nutrients as a direct
consequence of apoplastic or symplastic trafficking.
 Nanoparticles interfere with the plant transport pathways as a physical barrier by blocking
the intercellular spaces in the plant cell wall or cell wall pores
 Higher concentration of Zinc and Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibited seed germination and
root growth
 Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most widespread metallic nanoparticles found in
consumer products due to their antimicrobial activity. AgNPs damaged and pitted the cell
wall of Escherichia coli and accumulated in the cell wall, leading to increased cell
permeability and ultimately cell death
Factors that affect Nanotoxicity
1. Dose – dependent toxicity
2. Size - dependent toxicity
eg. nAu clusters (1.4nm)
nSilica (40 – 80 nm) vs 0.5 – 2 µm
3. Surface area - dependent toxicity
eg. Microparticle (1% of atoms) vs 10nm (10% of atoms)
4. Crystalline Structure – dependent toxicity
eg. Titania – rutile, anatase, brookite
5. Surface coating – dependent toxicity
Nanotechnology - Health & Environmental Concerns
Researchers noted that rats breathing in Nano particles generally have those particles settle
in the brain and lungs, which led to significant increases in biomarkers for inflammation and stress
response and that Nano-particles include induce skin aging through oxidative stress in hairless
mice.
Extremely small fibers, so called Nano fibers, can be as harmful for the lung as asbestos is
The Royal Society report identified a risk of Nanoparticles or Nano-tubes being released during
disposal, destruction and recycling, and recommended that “manufacturers of products that fall
under extended producer‟s responsibility regimes such as end-of-life regulations to publish
procedures outlining how these materials will be manage to minimize possible human and
environmental exposure”.
Reflecting the challenges for ensuring responsible life cycle regulation, the Institute for
Food and Agricultural Standards has proposed that standards for Nanotechnology research and
development be integrated across consumer, worker and environmental standards. They also
propose that the NGOs and other citizen groups play a meaningful role in the development of these
standards.
The ultrasmall sizes that make the nanoparticles of immense usefulness, unfortunately the
same characteristic also causes several adverse effects and may represent significant hazards to
environment, animals, human beings and plants when used non-judiciously. The possible hazards
are mentioned hereunder:
 Nanoparticles as pesticides, fertilizers or in other formulations, when air-borne, may deposit on
above ground parts of plants
They may plug stomata and create a fine physical and toxic barrier layer on stigma preventing
pollen tube penetration. They may also enter the vascular tissue and impair translocation of water,
minerals and photo synthate.
 Animals may inhale nanoparticles resulting into various ill effects and disorders. The particles
may enter the bloodstream.
 Nano-pesticides may reduce environmental contamination through the reduction in pesticide
application rates, but they may also create new kinds of contamination of soils and waterways due
to enhanced transport, longer persistence and higher toxicity.
 Air-borne nanoparticles present some specific hazards for human health; they may enter the
body through the respiratory system.
 Due to the entry of nanoparticles into lungs and blood stream, there is possibility of
inflammation, protein fibrillation and induction of genotoxicity.
 Because of these risks, the use of nanotechnology in fertilizer and pesticide formulations has
to be addressed very cautiously, and this warrants mandatory need to critically analyze and
examine the risks involved with the nano-formulations.