Chapter 3 - Synthesis, characterization, and application of chitosan nanomaterials loaded with other metals/elements in plant

Abstract

In the last few decades, chitosan nanomaterials have been broadly explored in the field of biology, pharmaceutical, and agriculture because of their unique properties such as diverse biological functions, biodegradability, nontoxic nature, and facile availability. Metal-embedded chitosan-based nanomaterials have gained significant attention as they possess dual properties i.e., growth promotion as well as protection in plants. Furthermore, metals or elements encapsulated in chitosan are less toxic due to the slow-release phenomenon and showed a long-lasting effect in plants. The blending of various metals Zn, Cu, Ag, and other elements with chitosan is known to supplement properties like providing nutrition to plants and help plant growth by protecting them from biotic and abiotic stress. Furthermore, metal-chitosan nanoparticles have predominantly shown antimicrobial functions against many plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. However, the role of chitosan-based nanomaterials their bioactivity, and pathogenic mode of action is still not much explored which limits their application in agriculture. In order to expedite the predicted role of chitosan metal nanomaterials, it is crucial to assemble all the bioactivity processes responsible for the sustainable growth of plants. In this chapter, we discuss different chitosan/metal-based nanomaterials that have been explored in plant growth and their protection from microbes usually fungi, bacteria and viruses along with their mode of action.