Green synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles: agricultural applications and toxicological implications

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) synthesized using green methods have tremendous potential in sustainable agriculture. The article explores the fundamentals of green synthesis, which uses biopolymers including chitosan, alginate, and cellulose to produce eco-friendly and biodegradable nanoparticles. Green synthesis approaches provide a possible alternative to traditional procedures, decreasing hazardous by-products and enhancing environmental compatibility. Studies demonstrate that PNPs an encapsulate agrochemicals, enabling controlled release systems that reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage by up to 40% while improving crop yield by 20–30% under specific conditions. Additionally, PNPs improve disease resistance by delivering bioactive compounds, such as plant growth regulators, directly to target sites. Research on the interaction of PNPs with plants reveals improved absoption efficiency (up to 50% higher) and translocation within plant tissues, positively influencing plant physiology and development. Preliminary case studies suggest that while green synthesis methods are cost-effective at small scales, reducing production costs by approximately 20% compared to conventional methods, challenges remain in scaling these processes for the industrial applications. Furthermore, reports suggest potential risks, such as a 10–15% reduction in soil microbial diversity at higher doses, which makes a careful analysis of toxicological effects necessary given their growing use. This review emphasises the necessity of conducting thorough environmental impact assessments and developing safety standards for their use. Innovative research addressing the scalability and cost issues will establish the green synthesis of PNPs as a fundamental component of sustainable agricultural methods.

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