Nanoparticle-plant interactions: Uptake, transport, physiological effects, and environmental implications

Edible mushrooms are increasingly recognized as nutrient-dense functional foods and integral components of sustainable circular bioeconomy systems. Nano-enabled strategies, such as nano-fertilizers, nano-elicitors, and substrate amendments, significantly improve mycelial growth, nutrient uptake, and biological efficiency when applied at optimized low concentrations. Zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles were identified as effective agents for increasing yield and enhancing micronutrient content, highlighting their role in nano-biofortification. Postharvest applications, particularly chitosan-based nano-coatings and nanocomposite films, were shown to reduce enzymatic browning, microbial spoilage, and moisture loss, thereby extending shelf life and minimizing postharvest losses. At the mechanistic level, nanomaterials influence fungal physiology through controlled nutrient delivery, modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enzyme activation, and improved substrate interactions. Furthermore, mushrooms contribute to sustainable nanotechnology through myco-mediated nanoparticle synthesis and the valorization of spent mushroom substrate into biochar and other value-added products, supporting circular economy principles. However, several challenges remain, including dose-dependent toxicity, potential nanoparticle accumulation in edible tissues, environmental persistence and the absence of standardized application protocols. Regulatory frameworks and long-term safety assessments are essential for responsible adoption. In conclusion, nanotechnology offers a promising pathway to enhance productivity, nutritional quality, and sustainability in mushroom production systems while contributing to SDGs 2, 3, 12, and 13. Future research should emphasize large-scale validation, life-cycle assessment, and the development of safe-by-design nanomaterials.

The green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using fruit extracts has gained significant attention as an ecofriendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods. Plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis utilizes bioactive phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents, minimizing the need for hazardous reagents while enhancing the biocompatibility of the resulting nanostructures. Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extracts have been extensively explored for ZnNP synthesis due to their rich reservoirs of flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and vitamins. Comparative studies reveal that gooseberryderived ZnNPs exhibit promising hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, while strawberry-based ZnNPs are particularly efficient in food preservation, crop protection, and extending shelf life. Blueberrymediated ZnNPs and nanofertilizers demonstrate notable agricultural benefits, including enhanced nutrient uptake and pathogen resistance. Conversely, cranberry extracts have shown superior potential in biomedical applications, with ZnNP composites effective against bacterial biofilms, cancer cell proliferation, and wound healing. The diverse phytochemical profiles of these fruits significantly influence nanoparticle morphology, stability, and functional properties, thereby dictating their specific applications. This chapter provides a comparative assessment of ZnNPs synthesized from gooseberry, strawberry, blueberry, and cranberry extracts, highlighting synthesis strategies, structural characteristics, and application domains. It emphasizes the role of fruit-derived biomolecules in tailoring nanoparticle functionality and suggests future prospects in agriculture, biomedicine, energy storage, and environmental management. The findings support fruit-mediated ZnNPs as a promising pathway toward sustainable nanotechnology.

Nanoparticle-rhizosphere crosstalk: Insights into transformation, microbial interaction, plant uptake and translocation.

Sustainable zinc oxide nanoparticles (S-ZnO-NPs), synthesized via green routes, have emerged as multifunctional agents driving the "Big Health" paradigm, which integrates human health, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. This review systematically examines their multifaceted applications in medical and environmental fields. In healthcare, S-ZnO-NPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, enable targeted drug delivery, accelerate wound healing, and facilitate bioimaging. Environmentally, they drive innovations in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, water disinfection, heavy metal remediation, and air purification, while contributing to renewable energy technologies like solar cells and hydrogen production. Critical analysis of risks, including nanotoxicity and ecological accumulation, highlights the need for surface functionalization, refined green synthesis, and hybridization. This review positions S-ZnO-NPs as key tools for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the Big Health framework, bridging medical and environmental resilience through sustainable nanotechnology.

Sustainable nanotechnology: differential roles of green-synthesised and metallic ZnO nanoparticles in swiss chard.

Green synthesis methods for nanoparticles: Principles, biological routes, and physicochemical approaches toward sustainable nanotechnology

This study advances the development of fate factors (FFs) and characterization factors (CFs) within the USEtox framework to address gaps in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for Multi-Component NanoMaterials (MCNM) and High Aspect-Ratio Nanoparticles (HARN). We employ a novel non-equilibrium colloidal environmental fate model tailored for MCNM and HARN, deriving FF for nanomaterials (NMs) emissions to air, freshwater, sediment, and soil. Case studies of nano zinc oxide doped with manganese (nZnO-Mn) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) reveal that both materials exhibit their longest residence times in sediment (FFs exceeding 39,000days), followed by soil (130.9days for both), air (25.9 and 57.8days, respectively), and the shortest in freshwater (22.6 and 3.4days). Calculated CFs for nZnO-Mn and AgNWs are marginally higher than literature values for ZnO and Ag nanoparticles, but at least one order of magnitude lower than their bulk metal counterparts. This discrepancy is attributed to the higher dissolution rates of NMs in freshwater compared to bulk metals. Sensitivity analysis further identifies dissolution rate as the dominant parameter influencing freshwater CFs, overshadowing NM-specific properties such as density, diameter, and length. These findings underscore the necessity of precise dissolution rate quantification and improved toxicological data to ensure robust CF development, enabling better integration of NMs into life cycle assessments (LCAs). Future work should prioritize CF development for NM impacts on human health to guide sustainable nanotechnology applications.

Fungal pigments have gained attention as eco-friendly and versatile materials for green nanotechnology because of their varied chemical structures, inherent redox properties, and strong metal ion-binding capabilities. These pigments, such as polyketides, azaphilones, melanins, and carotenoids, can function simultaneously as reducing, capping, and surface-functionalizing agents, facilitating the environmentally friendly production of metallic nanoparticles without the use of harmful chemicals. This review provides a critical overview of recent progress in the production, extraction, and application of fungal pigments for nanoparticle synthesis, focusing on the mechanistic roles of pigment functional groups in metal ion reduction, nanoparticle nucleation, growth, and stabilization. The impact of pigment chemistry and reaction conditions on the nanoparticle size, shape, crystallinity, and colloidal stability was thoroughly examined. Additionally, this review highlights the emerging biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications of pigment-mediated nanoparticles, emphasizing their biocompatibility and functional adaptability. Key challenges, such as variability in pigment yield and composition, limited mechanistic validation, lack of standardized synthesis protocols, and insufficient toxicity assessment, are critically analyzed in this review. Finally, future directions are outlined, emphasizing the importance of process optimization, omics-guided pigment discovery, and comprehensive safety evaluations as crucial steps toward the scalable and reliable use of fungal pigment-mediated nanoparticle synthesis in sustainable nanotechnology.

Sustainable nanotechnologies derived from renewable resources are increasingly being positioned at the interface of green chemistry, advanced drug delivery, and translational pharmaceutics. Over the past decade, lignocellulosic nanomaterials, chitin/chitosan platforms, polysaccharide-based nanogels and nano-enabled hydrogels, lignin- and polyphenol-derived nanostructures, and bio-based lipid nanocarriers have been engineered through progressively eco-efficient routes, including solvent-minimized self-assembly, nanoprecipitation, spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, and microfluidic-assisted fabrication. This work provides a structured evidence map of nano-enabled drug delivery and therapeutic platforms derived from renewable biological resources. Specifically, we aim to (i) identify and classify nanoplatform classes and renewable feedstocks; (ii) summarize reported pharmaceutical critical quality attributes (CQAs) and performance and safety endpoints; and (iii) appraise how "renewability" and "green" claims are evidenced (feedstock origin vs. process sustainability) and how frequently translational readiness factors (scalability, quality control, regulatory alignment) are addressed. We critically compare renewable and conventional nanomaterial platforms across key translational dimensions, including carbon footprint, batch consistency, biodegradability, functional tunability, safety/persistence, and scale-up maturity. Finally, we delineate a practical translational pathway-from biomass sourcing and fractionation to nanoformulation, characterization/stability, and GMP scale-up-highlighting cross-cutting enablers such as lifecycle assessment, EHS/toxicology risk assessment, quality-by-design, and regulatory alignment. Collectively, the evidence supports renewable nanomaterials as viable, scalable candidates for next-generation therapeutics, provided that variability control, standardized characterization, and safety-by-design principles are embedded early in development.

Abstract The increasing integration of nanoparticles into laboratory studies and consumables, such as filters, pipette tips, test kits, and coatings, has raised critical concerns about their environmental sustainability, occupational safety, and end-of-life disposal. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the life cycle impacts of nanoparticle-based laboratory products, covering stages from synthesis and in-lab use to waste generation and disposal. Drawing upon ISO 14040/44 life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks, we highlight methodological challenges in evaluating nano-enabled systems, including data gaps, toxicity uncertainties, boundary selection, and the influence of intrinsic nanoparticle properties (e.g., size, shape, and surface coating) on fate and impact modeling. We assess the environmental burden of nanoparticle synthesis methods, energy inputs, and hazardous byproducts, and explore their property-dependent transformation in laboratory waste streams. Comparative LCA analyses of nano-enabled versus conventional lab consumables reveal performance trade-offs with substantial implications for environmental policy and green lab practices. Furthermore, this review situates LCA within the emerging Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, emphasizing its role in guiding early-stage material innovation, risk prevention, and circularity strategies for nanotechnology. The review also evaluates regulatory responses and proposes safety and circular economy recommendations tailored for laboratories, manufacturers, and policymakers. By connecting LCA with nanowaste management, physicochemical risk factors, and SSbD-guided sustainability principles, this work establishes a foundational platform for safer, more sustainable adoption of nanomaterials in research environments. These findings are particularly relevant as nano-enabled products proliferate across biomedical, energy, environmental, and analytical laboratory domains. Graphical Abstract

Comparative toxicity of green and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles in developing zebrafish: A step toward sustainable nanotechnology.

Abstract Finerenone, a third-generation selective non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, is used in the management of diabetic kidney disease, with its efficacy further extended to reducing cardiovascular events in clinical trials. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received considerable attention for analytical and sensing applications because of their distinctive optical and surface properties, particularly surface plasmon resonance. In this study, AgNPs were green synthesized by the reduction of silver ions using gallic acid in basic media. The NPs were then characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, revealing an average size in the range ~ 10–30 nm and the zeta potential to be − 28 mV indicating the stability of the nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs were then employed in the determination of finerenone in bulk by correlating the decrease in absorbance at 394.5 nm with drug concentration. The method was linear in the range 6.00 × 10 –7 –6.00 × 10 –6 M with a limit of detection of 1.96 × 10 –7 M and a limit of quantification of 5.94 × 10 –7 M. The proposed approach was validated in accordance with International Council for Harmonization (ICH) requirements and successfully applied to the quantification of finerenone in both marketed dosage forms and spiked human plasma samples. Furthermore, the analytical eco-scale was used to assess the method’s greenness, and it demonstrated excellent compliance with green analytical chemistry (GAC) principles. Graphical abstract

Eco-friendly synthesis of Ag-Cu NPs via mannitol reduction for meat freshness monitoring.

Combined effects of nanomaterials and climate change on aquatic ecosystems: Toxicity, interactions, and regulatory challenges.

Sustainable fabrication of Cu-doped cadmium sulfide nanoparticles for detoxification of methyl blue dye from wastewater via adsorption and photocatalysis

The present study explores the biogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) using the red marine alga Laurencia papillosa, aiming to evaluate their dual potential in environmental remediation and cancer treatment. The FeNPs were synthesized under optimized conditions determined by response surface methodology (RSM), pH 7.0, 20 g/100 mL algal concentration, and 24 h, ensuring maximum yield and reproducibility. The synthesized FeNPs were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), FTIR, TEM, SAED, SEM, EDAX, and zeta potential analysis, revealing spherical, polydispersed particles with sizes ranging from 10.17 to 19.99 nm and a zeta potential of + 7.4 mV, indicating moderate stability. Optimization of synthesis conditions using a response surface methodology (RSM) model identified pH 7.0, 20 g/100 mL algal concentration, and 24 h as optimal for maximum nanoparticle yield. The FeNPs demonstrated remarkable efficacy in removing heavy metals from aquaculture wastewater, with removal efficiencies of 96.4% for Fe, 58.3% for Mn, and 23.1% for Zn. Additionally, in vitro cytotoxicity assays demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects against Human liver (HepG2) and Breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines, confirming the potential biomedical application of these eco-friendly FeNPs. These findings highlight the unique capability of L. papillosa-mediated FeNPs as multifunctional nanomaterials, bridging sustainable environmental remediation with cancer therapeutics, offering promising prospects for sustainable nanotechnology in both environmental and biomedical fields. Overall, the study demonstrates that L. papillosa derived FeNPs combine optimized green synthesis, effective heavy metal removal, and notable anticancer activity, underscoring their potential as cost-effective and environmentally sustainable multifunctional nanomaterials.

Sustainable nanotechnology, particularly chitosan (CS)-based biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs), offers an eco-friendly delivery system comparedto conventional techniques. Potato virus Y (PVY) causes severe potato yield losses and reduces tuber quality. Its control is challenging owing to nonpersistent aphid transmission, especially by Myzus persicae, the most efficient vector. Chemical insecticides lead to environmental pollution, health risks, and resistance, highlighting the need for alternatives. This study assessed pure CS, thyme essential oil (TEO)-loaded CS, CS-lecithin (LH) encapsulated TEO, and TEO alone for their ability to block PVY transmission by M. persicae. To the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have examined the CS + LH + TEO formulation's effect on aphid-mediated PVY transmission. The results clearly indicate that all NP formulations significantly reduced aphid vectored transmission of PVY to healthy plants and inhibited virus acquisition from infected sources. The CS + LH + TEO and pure TEO treatments were the most effective, with CS + LH + TEO reducing transmission by 50.0% and pure TEO suppressing acquisition by 57.5%. Moreover, these formulations, especially CS + LH + TEO, substantially enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, increased proline levels, and upregulated expression of the defense genes PAL-1and PR-2. As a result, accumulation of post-PVY infection oxidative stress markers H₂O₂ and MDA was considerably lower in NP-treated plants, emphasizing their protective effect against membrane damage. In this study, TEO was successfully encapsulated using CS and LH. Although previous research has primarily focused on the individual effects of CS and TEO on aphids, the inhibitory effect of CS + LH + TEO NPs on PVY transmission and acquisition by aphids offers a promising avenue for developing novel integrated pest management strategies. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Abstract This study presents an environmentally sustainable approach for synthesizing iron bionanoparticles using grape berries and grape pomace from two Vitis vinifera cultivars (Merlot and Blaufränkisch) highlighting the valorization of food industry waste within circular economy principles and the synergistic approach involving bacteria for environmental cleanup. The Merlot pomace-derived nanoparticles exhibited an amorphous structure, predominant Fe(III) species (Mössbauer spectroscopy), high specific surface area (398 m 2 ·g⁻ 1 ), and nanometric, porous morphology. Fe–O bond formation and polyphenol complexation was confirmed. Evolution of pH and redox potential values during synthesis revealed that slightly alkaline, near-physiological conditions favor nanoparticles formation and redox activity. All iron nanoparticle types were applied in removal experiments targeting polychlorinated biphenyls (from congener mixture Delor 103). The highest removal of the sum of PCBs congeners by nanoparticles alone reached 62% after 14 days using Merlot pomace-derived nanoparticles. When combined with the bacterium Ochrobactrum anthropi in a sequential synergistic approach, removal efficiency increased to 76%. Co-application with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia also resulted in high removal (70%). Ecotoxicological assessment revealed general non-toxicity of tested nanoparticles (derived from Merlot pomace) using Sinapis alba seed germination and Ochrobactrum anthropi auxanogram assays. However, higher concentrations (10 g·L −1 ) induced 46% inhibition of plant growth, likely due to restricted translocation of nutrients to the upper plant tissues. The results demonstrate the dual benefit of transforming agrowaste into effective, low-toxicity nanomaterials for remediation, supporting sustainable nanotechnology for environmental applications. Graphical abstract

Bacteria Mediated Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Nanotechnology Approach for Biomedical Applications