Biomolecule Integrated Nanostructures for Advanced Diagnosis Systems in Viral Disease Management of Crops

Abstract

One of the crucial factors that confine crop productivity is plant disease and appropriate identification of pathogen under field condition in an early stage is the foremost step in disease management. Viral pathogens that infect the crops are more difficult to detect during early infection in the plants because of their acellular nature. Thus, the host–pathogen interaction is a way that is more complicated than the other pathogens like fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can be easily detected by microscopic and several biochemical tests. The application of immune-assay or Q-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based systems helps in developing rapid and farmer’s friendly on-field diagnostics kits that have drawn attention among several research groups due to their crucial role in agronomy. However, the time consumption and maintaining lab conditions make them less economical methods in disease management. In current times, the emerging nanostructure-based diagnostic systems are getting immense attention for their stability and on-field application and availability in different forms. Quantum dots, nanorods, carbon nanotubes, biomolecule-based nanostructures, nanoribbons, nanochips, or nanoparticle conjugated antibodies have the capability for enhanced and smart sensitivity, specificity, and quick detection of the pathogen. Biomolecule-derived nanostructures show more biocompatibility and effectivity against viral pathogens. This structure participates in the fabrication of assay kits or point-of-care devices. Nucleic acid-based sensors of probes, quantum dot conjugated antibodies, or labeled peptides are being readily explored for the development of quick detection of multiplex kits. The overall utility of these systems is to provide state-of-the-art methods in crop quality monitoring and providing preventive measures and detection against plant pathogens that also include plant viruses. Such nano-based techniques play a pivotal role in identifying and restricting the spread of viral diseases and protecting agronomists' interests. The current chapter deals with the application of bioinspired nanodiagnostics for quicker, more cost-effective viral crop disease management.