Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Potential Application in Food and Agricultural Sector

Abstract

Nanotechnology is an important and emerging interdisciplinary research field having tremendous applications in different aspects of science including agriculture, food, and industry. Biological biomolecules can be a good source of green technology where it plays key role in the synthesis of nanoparticles having different shapes and sizes. Biosynthesized nanoparticle will provide cost-effective, eco-friendly, and non-toxic systems to the environments. Nanotechnology and its application in different fields including food and agriculture sector have revolutionized the development in science and technology. Food science and food technology is far developing in the last few decades due to implementation of inorganic and metal nanoparticles in food packaging and storage to extend shelf-life of post-harvest produce. The immediate consequences of green revolution where blindly used of chemical pesticides and fertilizers have been encountered in maximizing environmental health hazard and in other way incoming of nanoparticles shows remarkable changes in the agriculture with cost-effective and environmentally healthy. The use of nanoparticle in agriculture sector started when the researcher finds that the conventional practices and technologies are unable to fulfil the demand and yield of foods and furthermore, the technology will maintain the existing ecosystems by eliminating the pollution of water, minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Moreover, food security and safety, enrichment of nutrients, reducing nutrient runoff, and providing more absorption are some of the potential incorporation of nanotechnology. However, nanotechnology intervention in food and agriculture sector to enable to sustain the environment as a whole is a big challenge. This chapter discussed the various methods of biological synthesis of nanoparticles specifically gold and silver and their application in food and agriculture sector.