Tiny Yet Mighty: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Nanobubble Technology.

Abstract

The low utilization efficiency and significant environmental losses associated with agrochemicals, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and plant growth regulators, have become persistent challenges in agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Conventional agrochemical applications frequently result in active ingredients (AIs) wastage, environmental contamination, and human health risks. Although agrochemical delivery systems (ADSs) based on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies have demonstrated potential in improving efficacy, their practical application remains limited by complex synthesis processes, high nanomaterial costs, and sometimes reliance on organic solvents. Recently, nanobubble (NB) technology, defined by bubbles with nanoscale dimensions (< 1 µm), high stability, unique interfacial properties, and high internal pressure, has attracted considerable interest for applications in environmental and agricultural fields. NB technology offers significant promise for ADSs. First, its straightforward application method may substantially simplify existing preparation processes for nano-agrochemical delivery systems (Nano-ADSs). Second, the unique structure of NB, combined with its tunable gas composition, shows considerable promise in enhancing the stability and bioavailability of AIs. The application of NB technology in ADSs not only improves preparation efficiency but also reduces potential ecological and human health risks by optimizing delivery efficacy. Thus, NB technology presents an innovative approach for developing agrochemical solutions that combine superior performance with environmental sustainability.