Chapter 6 - Current and future prospects of chitosan-based nanomaterials in plant protection and growth

Abstract

Chitosan and chitin emerged as biodegradable, biocompatible and nontoxic polymers with a variety of vital applications in both biomedical and agricultural sectors. As nanobiotechnology has emerged as an out of the ordinary field, researchers have incorporated nanomaterial-based chitosan in a variety of products to increase their efficiency. Furthermore, due to its intrinsic antimicrobial and chelating properties, and the accessibility of adaptable functional groups, chitosan-based nanoparticles are also straight used in various areas. In this chapter, the major emphasis is on the employ of chitosan-based nanomaterials in the agricultural area, which is related to water availability for crops, the managing of abiotic stress in plants, controlling food-borne pathogens plus their types of delivery. Overall, it may be concluded that chitosan-based nanomaterials demonstrate potential characteristics for sustainable agricultural practices and useful protection/growth of plants to fulfill the global demand for food in an eco-friendly manner.