Chapter 1 - Nanobiopesticides: An introduction

Abstract

Nanotechnology is recognized as one of the key strategies that can contribute to sustainable and competitive agriculture. Several studies have reported an enhancement in the efficacy of certain biological substances on pests, a decrease in toxicity toward humans and the environment, and a reduction of losses due to physical degradation with the encapsulation of these substances in nanoparticulate systems. Thus, nanotechnology could contribute to the development of less toxic biopesticides with favorable safety profiles, increased stability of the active agents, enhanced activity on target pests, and increased adoption by end users. Research has shown that the use of nanoparticles is effective in protecting plant products and plant oils from rapid degradation, allowing a prolonged effect on target pests. Because the polymers used in this kind of formulation are biodegradable, continuous delivery of the active agent with low environmental harm is achieved. Though studies on the risk assessment of nanomaterials vis-à-vis biopesticides toward agroecosystem components after their release into the environment is lacking, it is imperative to add risk-assessment protocols into the strategies based on nanotechnology. Overall, nanobiotechnology seems promising in the direction of formulations that can be used to improve the stability and efficacy of natural products. Such formulations can provide controlled release of the molecules at the site of action, minimize potential toxic effects on nontarget organisms, and prevent degradation of the active agent by microorganisms. While there is certainly industrial activity aimed in this direction, the technology is still far from proven, with major questions persisting around release rates, storage stability, and cost effectiveness. Use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is a widely known phenomenon in nanotechnology. However, relevant toxicity endpoints for ENMs need to be identified and safety evaluations need to be conducted before their application strategies are employed. Safety assessments are not easy because the application of ENMs will be relative to different selected organisms that will depict the sensitivity to the potential toxic effects.