Nanotechnological Interventions Research Articles

Nano-technological interventions in crop production-a review.

Agricultural industry is facing huge crisis due to fast changing climate, decreased soil fertility, macro and micronutrient insufficiency, misuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and heavy metal presence in soil. With exponential increase in world's population, food consumption has increased significantly. Maintaining the production to consumption ratio is a significant challenge due to shortage caused by various issues faced by agricultural industry even withthe improved agricultural practices. Recent scientific evidence suggests that nanotechnology can positively impact the agriculture sector by reducing the harmful effects of farming operations on human health and nature, as well as improving food productivity and security. Farmers are combining improved agricultural practices like usage of fertilizers, pesticides etc. with nano-based materials to improve the efficiency and productivity of crops. Nano technology is also playing a significant role improving animal health products, food packaging materials, and nanosensors for detecting pathogens, toxins, and heavy metals in soil among others. The nanobased materials have improved the productivity twice with half the resources being utilized. Nanoparticles that are currently in use include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, gold, and silver used for increasing soil fertility and plant growth. Crop growth, yield, and productivity are improved by controlled release nanofertilizers. In this review we elaborate on the recent developments in the agricultural sector by the usage of nanomaterial based composites which has significantly improved the agricultural sector especially how nanoparticles play an important role in plant growth and soil fertility, in controlling plant diseases by the use of nanopesticides, nanoinsecticides, nanofertilizers, Nanoherbicides, nanobionics, nanobiosensors. The review also highlights the mechanism of migration of nanoparticles in plants and most importantly the effects of nanoparticles in causing plant and soil toxicity.

Nanomaterials for supercapacitors as energy storage application: Focus on its characteristics and limitations

Demand for energy is steadily increasing due to the ever-increasing population growth, changing lifestyle as well as the depleting natural resources. The result is the increase in the cost of conventional energy devices. Nanotechnology via the application of tailor-made nanomaterials has brought in revolutionary changes in the design and fabrication of various energy storage devices. There have been reports of increased efficiency, decreased cost because of which there has been an enhanced market growth of the energy storage devices. Immense research activities are focused on the fabrication of electrode materials having precise nano-dimensions and morphologies, fabrication of cost-effective storage devices and methods to enhance efficiency. Composite materials based on carbon, metal oxide and polymer-based nanomaterials have been used for fabrication of electrode materials. Nanosized particles in such composites have brought about enhanced material properties as compared to their bulk counterparts, which in turn has contributed to their improved energy storage efficiency. But despite the success attained due to nanotechnological interventions, some of the limiting factors identified that have put a restraint in the demand and market growth of applied nanomaterials for energy capture are related to toxic processes involved during the synthesis of nanomaterials and during the application process.An overview of different nanomaterials used till date for fabrication of electrodes (with special focus on supercapacitors) will be addressed in this study. While the focus is in addressing the advantages of the use of nanomaterials and their composites, the study will also highlight the challenges associated during the fabrication and application in energy devices. It is expected that an update of such literature will benefit those undergoing research on nanotechnology and renewable energy technology.

Nanomaterized zinc sulfide-meerschaum biomatrix efficiently suppressed Fusarium verticilloides with augmented rice seed quality benefits during storage.

The seed-borne mycopathogen Fusarium verticilliodes is a serious and deleterious pathogen causing substantial losses of rice seeds and grains. Rice seeds are prone to infestation at all points of the production chain and the fungal pathogen continues dormant devastation even during storage, adversely affecting the seed parameters. Its control is compromised due to the nonavailability of recommended fungicides during storage. Nanotechnological interventions can provide effective and ecofriendly alternative against mycopathogens during resting periods. Herein, the zinc sulfide-meerschaum nano bio-matrix (nZnS-MR) is presented to show this strategy, which worked well against F. verticilliodes when applied on freshly harvested rice seeds during 6 months of storage. The healthy, smooth and rounded girths of F. verticilloides mycelium were reduced with loss of turgidity, disrupting the hyphal exterior architecture, during in vitro treatment with nZnS-MR, endorsed by staining methodology, crystal violet and intracellular soluble protein leakage assays. In vivo application on rice seeds optimized 750 μg g-1 of nano zinc sulfide (nZnS) for 6 months of application during storage with maximum reduction of disease parameters [seedling blight (1.19%) and seed rot (5.43%)] and most augmented quality parameters [maximum germination (94.14%), seedling length (22.50 cm), dry weight (0.121 g) and vigor index (11.37)]. nZnS-MR acted as a slow release nanoformulation of nZnS for long-term antifungal activity. nZnS-MR is presented as an ecofriendly, biocompatible, bio-efficient, profertilization, cost-effective green material for the control of F. verticilliodes with rice seed invigorating effect, describing it as new a nano-generation material for efficient storage application.

Immunomodulation in age-related disorders and nanotechnology interventions.

Recently, the aging population has increased exponentially around the globe bringing more challenges to improve quality of life in those populations while reducing the economic burden on healthcare systems. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system culminating in detrimental effects such as immune dysfunction, immunosenescence, and chronic inflammation. Age-related decline of immune functions is associated with various pathologies including cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases to name a few. Conventional treatment addresses the onset of age-related diseases by early detection of risk factors, administration of vaccines as preventive care, immunomodulatory treatment, and other dietary supplements. However, these approaches often come with systemic side-effects, low bioavailability of therapeutic agents, and poor outcomes seen in the elderly. Recent innovations in nanotechnology have led to the development of novel biomaterials/nanomaterials, which explore targeted drug delivery and immunomodulatory interactions in vivo. Current nanotechnology-based immunomodulatory approaches that have the potential to be used as therapeutic interventions for some prominent age-related diseases are discussed here. Finally, we explore challenges and future aspects of nanotechnology in the treatments of age-related disorders to improve quality of life in the elderly. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.

Nanotechnological Interventions in Agriculture.

Agriculture is an important sector that plays an important role in providing food to both humans and animals. In addition, this sector plays an important role in the world economy. Changes in climatic conditions and biotic and abiotic stresses cause significant damage to agricultural production around the world. Therefore, the development of sustainable agricultural techniques is becoming increasingly important keeping in view the growing population and its demands. Nanotechnology provides important tools to different industrial sectors, and nowadays, the use of nanotechnology is focused on achieving a sustainable agricultural system. Great attention has been given to the development and optimization of nanomaterials and their application in the agriculture sector to improve plant growth and development, plant health and protection and overall performance in terms of morphological and physiological activities. The present communication provides up-to-date information on nanotechnological interventions in the agriculture sector. The present review deals with nanoparticles, their types and the role of nanotechnology in plant growth, development, pathogen detection and crop protection, its role in the delivery of genetic material, plant growth regulators and agrochemicals and its role in genetic engineering. Moreover, the role of nanotechnology in stress management is also discussed. Our aim in this review is to aid researchers to learn quickly how to use plant nanotechnology for improving agricultural production.

TERI Advanced Oxidation Technology (TADOX®) to treat industrial wastewater with integration at pre- and post-biological stage: case studies from India

Abstract The current problem with industrial wastewater treatment is that we rely heavily on biological treatment systems without realising that these have severe limitations in terms of shock load-bearing capacities, ineffectiveness against removal of toxicity and recalcitrant and dissolved organics. However, biological systems have their own benefits as well. Therefore, it is essential to support them with integration of advanced oxidation nanotechnology (AON) interventions, which are expected to address these challenges. In this pursuit, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has developed an AON-based wastewater treatment technology called TERI Advanced Oxidation Technology (TADOX®). This paper presents two sections of three case studies each, to showcase how TADOX® technology intervention at pre-biological and post-biological treatment helps in achieving adequate treatment. In the first section, TADOX® has been implemented at pre-biological stage for three highly polluting streams from (i) phenolic wastewater from a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D) plant from a Gujarat pesticide manufacturing company, (ii) phenolic wastewater from an anisole plant of a Gujarat chemical industry, and (iii) hydrocarbon-rich effluent from the Jharkand oil and gas sector. Pre-biological integration is expected to support biological treatment by reduction in COD, toxicity, microbial growth hindering compounds and increase in biodegradability (BOD to COD ratio). The second section in the paper explores the implementation potential of TADOX® to treat biologically treated streams from (i) Uttarakhand pharmaceutical, (ii) Uttar Pradesh tannery and (iii) Uttar Pradesh slaughterhouse. The post-biological integration is expected to remove residual COD, colour, BOD and odour leading to treated water meeting norms for safe surface discharge and water reuse. Presented studies from India may be useful and relevant to other developing countries as a possible approach to sustainably manage water resources, together meeting the challenges of economic growth, industrial development, and regulatory and environmental compliance.

Multimodal Potentials of Gold Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: Avenues and Prospects.

Osseous tissue repair has advanced due to the introduction of tissue engineering. The key elements required while engineering new tissues involve scaffolds, cells, and bioactive cues. The macrostructural to the nanostructural framework of such complex tissue has engrossed the intervention of nanotechnology for efficient neo-bone formation. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have recently gained interest in bone tissue regeneration due to their multimodal functionality. They are proven to modulate the properties of scaffolds and the osteogenic cells significantly. GNPsalso influence different metabolic functions within the body, which directly or indirectly govern the mechanism of bone regeneration. Therefore, this review highlights nanoparticle-mediated osteogenic development, focusing on different aspects of GNPsranging from scaffold modulation to cellular stimulation. The toxic aspects of gold nanoparticles studied so far are critically explicated, while further insight into the advancements and prospects of these nanoparticles in bone regeneration is also highlighted.

Nanotechnology interventions as a putative tool for the treatment of dental afflictions

Abstract Advancement in nanotechnology and its intervention into the medical field has led to significant development in the field of oral health. Also, the combination of nanomaterial science and biotechnology in dental nanorobotics has enthralled us by adding momentum to contemporary dental practices. The progressive nature of dental afflictions often requires an umbrella approach for their prevention, diagnosis, and complete treatment. Furthermore, the complex nature of dental diseases entails customized treatment modalities, which provides the development of various nanotechnology armamentariums. Furthermore, with the objective of controlled drug delivery, researchers have done a plethora of work to apply nanomaterials such as nanospheres, nanotubes, and nanocomposites for dental infections. However, the fundamental concern with nanotechnology is cost involvement and scaleup hurdles which limits its commercialization. Nevertheless, we hope that optimal utilization of the available nanotechnological interventions for modern dental practice will shortly improve oral health. Hence, this review primarily focuses on the types of nanotechnological interventions explored for various dental afflictions. Also, the authors have attempted to enlighten the readers about the practical aspects of nanotherapeutics for dental disease, that is, a journey from laboratory to product commercialization.

Biotechnological advances in biomass pretreatment for bio-renewable production through nanotechnological intervention.

Globally, the fossil fuel reserves are depleting rapidly and the escalating fuel prices as well as plethora of the pollutants released from the emission of burning fossil fuels cause global warming that massively disturb the ecological balance. Moreover, the unnecessary utilization of non-renewable energy sources is a genuine hazard to nature and economic stability, which demands an alternative renewable source of energy. The lignocellulosic biomass is the pillar of renewable sources of energy. Different conventional pretreatment methods of lignocellulosic feedstocks have employed for biofuel production. However, these pretreatments are associated with disadvantages such as high cost of chemical substances, high load of organic catalysts or mechanical equipment, time consuming, and production of toxic inhibitors causing the environmental pollution. Nanotechnology has shown the promised biorefinery results by overcoming the disadvantages associated with the conventional pretreatments. Recyclability of nanomaterials offers cost effective and economically viable biorefineries processes. Lignolytic and saccharolytic enzymes have immobilized onto/into the nanomaterials for the higher biocatalyst loading due to their inherent properties of high surface area to volume ratios. Nanobiocatalyst enhance the hydrolyzing process of pretreated biomass by their high penetration into the cell wall to disintegrate the complex carbohydrates for the release of high amounts of sugars towards biofuel and various by-products production. Different nanotechnological routes provide cost-effective bioenergy production from the rich repertoires of the forest and agricultural-based lignocellulosic biomass. In this article, a critical survey of diverse biomass pretreatment methods and the nanotechnological interventions for opening up the biomass structure has been carried out.

Effect of nitrogen and zinc nanofertilizer with the organic farming practices on cereal and oil seed crops

Sustainable and precision agriculture practices are essential to meet the global food demand with minimal impact on soil, air and water. In the present study, nanofertilizers of nitrogen and zinc was used with the organic farming practice under field condition for the cereal i.e. wheat, pearl millet, and oil seed crops i.e. mustard, sesame. The field trial was compared with chemical fertilizer based agricultural settings. A total of 160 field demonstrations were conducted at two locations: Khaliyawas (28.19° N, 76.76° E) and Khatawali (28.22° N, 76.76° E) of Haryana, India with a total area of 1225 acre and randomized block design. It was found that an average yield was recorded 5.35% higher in wheat, 24.24% higher yield in sesame, 4.2% higher in pearl millet and 8.4% higher yield in mustard by applying nanofertilizers of nitrogen and zinc along with the organic farming practice. The increased yield corroborated with the development parameters of plants such as wheat tillers, ear head length of pearl millet, capsule number per plant in sesame and siliquae number per plant in mustard. The trial observation suggests that the fields with applied organic manure, bio-fertilizer and nanofertilizers in combination resulted in higher yield and better plant growth performances when compared to the fields under conventional chemical fertilizer practice. The results suggest that the intervention of nanotechnology along with organic farming practice can help in minimizing the mass volume requirement of conventional chemical fertilizer while improving crop production.

A Review on Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Their Diverse Biomedical and Environmental Applications

In recent times, metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been regarded as having important commercial utility. However, the potential toxicity of these nanomaterials has also been a crucial research concern. In this regard, an important solution for ensuring lower toxicity levels and thereby facilitating an unhindered application in human consumer products is the green synthesis of these particles. Although a naïve approach, the biological synthesis of metal oxide NPs using microorganisms and plant extracts opens up immense prospects for the production of biocompatible and cost-effective particles with potential applications in the healthcare sector. An important area that calls for attention is cancer therapy and the intervention of nanotechnology to improve existing therapeutic practices. Metal oxide NPs have been identified as therapeutic agents with an extended half-life and therapeutic index and have also been reported to have lesser immunogenic properties. Currently, biosynthesized metal oxide NPs are the subject of considerable research and analysis for the early detection and treatment of tumors, but their performance in clinical experiments is yet to be determined. The present review provides a comprehensive account of recent research on the biosynthesis of metal oxide NPs, including mechanistic insights into biological production machinery, the latest reports on biogenesis, the properties of biosynthesized NPs, and directions for further improvement. In particular, scientific reports on the properties and applications of nanoparticles of the oxides of titanium, cerium, selenium, zinc, iron, and copper have been highlighted. This review discusses the significance of the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, with respect to therapeutically based pharmaceutical applications as well as energy and environmental applications, using various novel approaches including one-minute sonochemical synthesis that are capable of responding to various stimuli such as radiation, heat, and pH. This study will provide new insight into novel methods that are cost-effective and pollution free, assisted by the biodegradation of biomass.

Nanotechnological interventions of the microbiome as a next-generation antimicrobial therapy

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) impacts public health due to the diminished potency of existing antibiotics. The microbiome plays an important role in the host's immune system activity and shows the history of exposure to antimicrobials and its manipulation in combating antimicrobial resistance. Advancements in gene technologies, DNA sequencing, and computational biology have emerged as powerful platforms to better understand the relationship between animals and microorganisms (MOs). The past few years have witnessed an increase in the use of nanotechnology, both in industry and in academia, as tools to tackle antimicrobial resistance. New strategies of microbiome manipulation have been developed, such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics, peptides, antibodies, an appropriate diet, phage therapy, and the use of various nanotechnological techniques. Owing to the research outcomes, targeted delivery of antimicrobials with some modifications with nanoparticles can lead to the destruction of resistant microbial cells. In addition, nanoparticles have been studied for their potential antimicrobial effects both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we highlight key opportunistic areas for applying nanotechnologies with the aim of manipulating the microbiome for the treatment of antimicrobial resistance. Besides providing a detailed review on various nanomaterials, technologies, opportunities, technical needs, and potential approaches for the manipulation of the microbiome to address these challenges, we discuss future challenges and our perspective.

Recent Advancements in Smart Biogenic Packaging: Reshaping the Future of the Food Packaging Industry.

Due to their complete non-biodegradability, current food packages have resulted in major environmental issues. Today’s smart consumer is looking for alternatives that are environmentally friendly, durable, recyclable, and naturally rather than synthetically derived. It is a well-established fact that complete replacement with environmentally friendly packaging materials is unattainable, and bio-based plastics should be the future of the food packaging industry. Natural biopolymers and nanotechnological interventions allow the creation of new, high-performance, light-weight, and environmentally friendly composite materials, which can replace non-biodegradable plastic packaging materials. This review summarizes the recent advancements in smart biogenic packaging, focusing on the shift from conventional to natural packaging, properties of various biogenic packaging materials, and the amalgamation of technologies, such as nanotechnology and encapsulation; to develop active and intelligent biogenic systems, such as the use of biosensors in food packaging. Lastly, challenges and opportunities in biogenic packaging are described, for their application in sustainable food packing systems.

Nanotechnological interventions in sustainable agriculture

The major problems associated with agriculture are the sustainable management of natural resources. With technological innovations and capital investments crop production has increased but care of ecological systems has not been given priorities and thus created imbalance in the natural cycle of the soil, crop productivity, salinization, moisture content, organic matter and seeping problems of pesticides. Nanotechnology provides a plethora of techniques to face the challenges of increasing population and food production, at the same time taking care of the environment, and has opened new avenues for sustainable agriculture. It has a myriad of applications, whether it is in medicine, electronics, agriculture, food technology, environment, cosmetics. Worldwide, there is improvement in sensing which is highly important in agriculture. Crop yield mainly depends on soil fertility, water supply and other environmental factors. Nanotechnology has revolutionised food production commonly referred to as “green nanoagroscience” which implements green chemistry in an eco-friendly manner and using biocompatible methods, which is cost-effective. This review mainly focuses on the latest development in nanobiotechnology and their applications along with challenges in sustainable agriculture developmentand the future prospects.

The possible role of nanotechnological interventions in weed management – An opinion

The possible role of nanotechnological interventions in weed management – An opinion

Nanotechnological tweaking for textile industrial dye stress on floras

In current scenario, one of the biggest sources of pollution is textile dye and increasing day by day. Textile dye imposes the problems of phytotoxicity in the vegetation grown in nearby areas. The waste water of textile industry is analysed by measuring their physiochemical parameters, that shows the whole picture of water profile. A wide range of toxic compounds for instance, heavy metals dyes, toxic chemicals, acids and alkalis are reported which are released in textile businesses, which are known to be poisonous. Different studies on the dye's physico-chemical characteristics manufacturing effluents, and their effect on growth of plants and seed germination, are critically analysed in this review. We have investigated the consequence of textile dye effluent stress on the phyto-availability of contaminants to the plants. There are very less research studies on the utilization of nanotechnology for the mitigation of phytotoxicity induced by industrial dye effluent. This review is the first attempt to gather these papers as there has never been a study like it. The current review analyses the effect of nanoparticles on plant growth during textile dye stress. It also explains why nanoparticles have become a popular desalination technology and it also faces the environmental challenges for the protection of plants. Over and above the challenges and future prospects of the nanotechnological interventions for phytotoxicity removal are discussed to lighten the paths for further studies.

Phytonanotechnology: Recent applications and the role of Biocorona

Phytonanotechnology is lately gaining increased interest owing to its potential to modernize agriculture for better yield and nutritional quality. Consequently, Nano-Agri products like nano-biosensors, nano-carriers, and growth augmenters are being developed and applied. However, the limited knowledge of molecular interactions taking place at nano-bio interface remains a major concern. The nanotechnological interventions for healthier crops could rather turn out tobe risky and inefficient in the absence ofclear understanding of molecular mechanisms of nano-bio interactions. Upon entry into tissues or cells, nanoparticles (NPs) adsorb biomolecules forming a biocorona which determines NP uptake, translocation, and reactivity. The composition of biocorona is dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the NPs, their surroundings, and the interaction time. Recent nascent studies in plants showed the potential of biocorona to influence major cellular pathways or plant responses like energy synthesis, pathogenesis, stress tolerance, and leaf senescence. This mini-review aims at summarizing the recent application of phytonanotechnology, the current status of biocorona studies with an overview of research bottlenecks and future prospects.

Emerging trends and nanotechnology advances for sustainable biogas production from lignocellulosic waste biomass: A critical review

Biogas production is the most important requirement for substituting fossil fuel in an eco-friendly manner. Though several routes of renewable energy sources are available, biogas generation occupies an irreplaceable position due to huge lignocellulosic biomass availability. Hence, researchers worldwide are attempting on a large scale to develop low-cost and sustainable biogas production for use in transportation, electricity and heat generation. Studies have identified various lignocellulosic resources as raw materials for biogas production. In this context, the nanotechnological intervention and emerging strategies for sustainable biogas production have greater potential to meet the requirements in terms of cost and environmental safety. Biogas generation in oxygen-free digesting processes can be boosted by utilizing customized nanoparticles to dose ions. To maximize biogas generation, it is possible to use unstable nanoparticles, but they can be tailored to provide the ions in a regulated manner. Anaerobic conditions are ideal for nanoparticles dissolution and supply to anaerobic microbes responsible for the organic material breakdown, which is a job that is well-suited to them. However, there exists a large gap in providing up-to-date information on emerging nanotechnology research in biogas generation from enormous uncommitted lignocellulosic resources. To fulfill the lacuna, the present review critically elucidates the existing methods, nanotechnological intervention, emerging and advanced trends in biogas production to benefit society.

Seaweed polysaccharide mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its enhanced disease resistance in Oreochromis mossambicus

ObjectivePreliminary aim of this research work focuses on testing the efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesised using water soluble polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds against pathogenic fish bacteria. The emergence of various virulence pathogens during the culturing period leads to mass mortality and influence the loss of aquaculture production. MethodsThe intervention of nanotechnology in the field of aquaculture improves the growth and immunity of aquatic animals when the part of nanomaterials mixed with fish feed. Sometimes the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles prepared from the seaweed polysaccharide play a vital role in the disease controlling strategies in aquaculture farming. The nanoparticle formation and confirmation was charecterized by Ultra Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Results and ConclusionBiologically synthesized silver nanoparticles have been used as an alternative method for commercial antibiotics to control such pathogenic infection with 70–80% of survival rate. Polysaccharides of Caulerpa racemosa was used as a reducing agent in this present study. Particularly the phytochemicals are involved in the silver salt reduction process. Total polyphenol, total flavonoids, total antioxidant, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and DPPH was found to be 12.32 mg/g, 18.44 mg/g, 38.12 mg/g equivalence, 82.2% and 49.05% respectively. Biologically synthesised AgNps capable of preventing the Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in tilapia, it was proved by in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities. Present study provided the ample achievement and these findings found to be effective in controlling the Pseudomonas infection in tilapia fishes.

Recent development patterns, utilization and prospective of biofuel production: Emerging nanotechnological intervention for environmental sustainability – A review

The word biofuel is here referred to as liquid or gas fuel mainly derived from biomass for the transport sector. There are many reasons why biofuels are viewed by both developed and industrialized countries as important technologies. These include reasons related to energy supply, climate, foreign exchange savings, and rural socio-economic issues. The term modern biomass is generally used to describe the traditional use of biomass through effective and clean fuel technologies and a long-term provision of biomass resources as well as environmental and competitive fuel, heating, and power using state-of-the-art conversion technologies. For electricity and heat generation, modern biomass can be used. The most recent biomass-backed transportation fuel is bioethanol and biodiesel as well as diesel generated by synthesis from biomass Fischer–Tropsch. The petroleum additive/substitute is bioethanol. Wood, paint, and even household waste can be processed into bio-ethanol economically. The organic ethanol comes from alcoholic fermentation by hydrolysis process of the saccharides or simple sugars provided by biomass. Starch, sugar or oil-generating crops are currently the basis for the production of transport fuel. The use of vegetable oils for the production of biodiesel has been renewed because of less pollutant and sustainable nature than traditional petroleum diesel. The role of catalysts in biofuel production is highly praised as the rate of conversion and reusability are the major concerns of production economics. Biodiesel is a petroleum-based diesel renewable alternative. Bio-oil production is enabled by biomass energy conversion facilities. In the biomass thermal conversion processes, pyrolysis is the most critical method. A brief overview of the basic concepts involved in biomass fuel thermochemical conversion is reviewed with a major focus on the use of nanotechnologies for biofuel production. High potential heterogeneous nanocatalysts (zinc oxide, silver oxide, doped nanoparticles, alloy nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, magnesium dioxide, iron oxide, and others), as well as their synthesis and characterization have been considered with much emphasis on green production strategies. The share of biomass in the renewable energy sector is around 62%. The key benefit of using biomass energy is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.