Advancing Sustainable Agriculture Through Nanomaterials: Challenges and Opportunities

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 614

Special Issue Editors


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Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada (CIQA), Blvd. Ing. Enrique Reyna H. No. 140, Saltillo 25294, Coahuila, México
Interests: synthesis of metallic nanoparticles; synthesis of nanoparticle–polymer composites; surface modification of nanoparticles; electrically conductive polymer composites; thermally conductive polymer composites; antimicrobial polymers; photocatalyst–polymer composites; polymer–carbon composites; polymer composites for water treatment; sustainable agriculture; nanotechnology; nano-agrochemicals
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Guest Editor
Department of Nanomaterials Chemistry, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Saltillo 25294, Coahuila, México
Interests: synthesis of metallic nanoparticles; synthesis of nanoparticle–polymer composites; modification surface of nanoparticles; applications of polymers in enhanced recovery oil; biosynthesis of nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In all countries, one of the major concerns of political leaders is to ensure food security for their people. They face various challenges such as climate change, pests and plant diseases, physical degradation, and soil chemistry and biology, to mention just a few. Strategic alternative technologies utilizing various nanomaterials are being developed in agriculture worldwide to help with germination, cultivation, and harvest and to achieve sustainable agriculture. The use of nanotechnology in this area allows the integration of organic and inorganic nanoparticles for the manufacture of various nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, nanostimulants, nanocomposite nutritive solutions, and others, which can be used to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This Special Issue aims to bring together all those studies that address the sustainability of agriculture and show potential benefits through the use of nanomaterials, including reducing environmental impact and increasing efficiency in the supply of nutrients and pest control, as well as the challenges and opportunities posed by nanomaterials in their interaction with seeds, plants, and fruits or harvests.

Prof. Dr. Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego
Dr. Marissa Pérez-Alvarez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanoparticles
  • nanotechnology
  • nano-stimulants
  • nutritive nano-solution
  • sustainable agriculture
  • eco-friendly synthesis
  • green nanomaterials
  • drench and foliar application

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

51 pages, 4203 KB  
Review
Carbon Dot Nanoparticles Synthesized from Horticultural Extracts for Postharvest Shelf-Life Extension of Fruits and Vegetables
by Tshiamo B. Leta, Jerry O. Adeyemi and Olaniyi A. Fawole
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162523 - 13 Aug 2025
Viewed by 476
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable food preservation technologies has spurred interest in green-synthesized carbon dots (CDs) derived from horticultural produce, positioning them as a promising nanomaterial for prolonging the shelf life of perishable food products. Most of these green approaches offer renewable, low-cost [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable food preservation technologies has spurred interest in green-synthesized carbon dots (CDs) derived from horticultural produce, positioning them as a promising nanomaterial for prolonging the shelf life of perishable food products. Most of these green approaches offer renewable, low-cost nanoparticles with excellent ultraviolet (UV) light barrier capabilities, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These features help protect food products from the growth of foodborne pathogens and retard oxidative spoilage to extend their shelf life through edible coatings and packaging. To this end, this review critically explores current breakthroughs in biosynthesis, characterization, and application of CDs generated from different agricultural extracts, the mechanism of action, and possible synergistic effects when paired with other food preservation agents, aligning with circular economic principles. Scalability challenges, regulatory limitations, and potential future directions are all explored to present a comprehensive understanding of the topic, paving the way for innovative preservation methods in the food industry. Full article
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