Next-generation nanotechnology-integrated biosurfactants: Innovations in biopesticide development for sustainable and modern agriculture

The increasing global demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices necessitates the development of innovative pest management solutions, effectively addressing the environmental and ecological issues associated with traditional chemical pesticides, such as pest resistance, environmental contamination, and non-target organism toxicity. Biosurfactants, biologically derived amphiphilic molecules from microbial and plant sources, offer distinct advantages including biodegradability, excellent surface-active properties, and inherent antimicrobial efficacy, making them as promising candidates for sustainable pest management and control. Concurrently, nanotechnology introduces innovative delivery mechanisms, enhancing biopesticide stability, solubility, and targeted application, significantly minimizing off-target impact and environmental footprint. This review emphasizes recent breakthroughs in integrating biosurfactants with nanotechnological strategies to produce advanced biopesticides. Key advancements include the role of biosurfactants to increase the bioavailability and effectiveness of active ingredients and utilizing nanopesticides for targeted pest control with improved precision. Combining the unique amphiphilic properties of biosurfactants and the precise targeting capabilities of nanocarriers presents substantial improvements in pest management efficacy and aligns closely with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles. Despite these promising developments, significant knowledge gaps remain, including understanding the interactions between biosurfactants, nanomaterials, and the environmental matrices, as well as assessing long-term ecological impacts and safety profiles associated with nanopesticide usage. This article outlines critical research areas requiring further exploration to optimize biosurfactant-nanotechnology systems for large-scale agricultural deployment. Addressing these challenges will facilitate broader adoption, ensuring sustainable pest control practices that significantly contribute to global food security and environmental preservation. Integrating biosurfactants with nanotechnology represents a transformative approach in agricultural pest management, offering substantial potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture through effective, environment-friendly solutions.