Hybrid nanoparticle systems – Two-way delivery approach for agriculture

Abstract

Nanometric carriers have great potential for promoting agrochemical target delivery and dose reduction while transforming agriculture into a more sustainable environment. Many nanoplatforms, such as metal, polymeric, clay, and carbon-based, are developed differently. However, new possibilities of a mixture between nanomaterials are explored by scientists called hybrid nanoparticles. The information about these nanosystems was focused on development and characterization, target and non-target effects, and uptake of nanoparticles applied to reach root or foliar pathways in plants. In this scenario, a lack of application possibilities exists and can be explored more in the future. Hybrid nanoparticles can be developed as smart carrier to deliver nanoparticles and agrochemicals in a two-way approach for uptake by root and foliar routes simultaneously in plants. The advance of nanocarrier strategies depends on the design of nanoparticles considering nanomaterial and agrochemical characteristics and target plants. The main gaps and recent reports are discussed here. Furthermore, platforms have been suggested to enable two-way delivery for agricultural applications in more sustainable farming systems.