Topic Editors

The National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Chemistry, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
CQM–Centro de Química da Madeira, Molecular Materials Research Group (MMRG), Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9000-390 Funchal, Portugal
National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834, USA

Nano-Enabled Innovations in Agriculture

Abstract submission deadline
28 December 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
28 February 2026
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152

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the field of agriculture is experiencing transformative change driven by nano-enabled innovations. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for sustainable agricultural practices under the changing climate becomes ever more critical to ensuring food security, improving livelihoods, and maintaining environmental health. The integration of nanotechnology in agriculture offers promising solutions to these challenges, enhancing areas such as precision farming, pest control, antimicrobials, water management, soil health, drought-tolerant crops, crop protection, and sustainable energy usage.

This Topic seeks to explore the diverse applications of nanomaterials, nanoparticles, and nanodevices in modern agriculture. From improving crop yields and reducing chemical dependency to enabling smarter irrigation systems and enhancing post-harvest processing and extending shelf life, nano-innovations are at the forefront of creating more sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, these technologies support the energy-efficient use of resources and mitigate environmental pollution, aligning with the global push toward carbon-neutral development.

We invite researchers, scientists, and academics to submit original research papers, reviews, or recent progress in the application of nano-enabled technologies for agriculture. Submissions will contribute to advancing knowledge on how these innovations can be scaled to achieve the SDGs, with a focus on eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions. Participating journals include Applied Nano, Nanomaterials, Plants, Sustainability, and Agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Heyou Han
Prof. Dr. João Rodrigues
Dr. Mohamed F. Foda
Dr. Lok. R. Pokhrel
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • nanotechnology
  • sustainable agriculture under climate change
  • precision farming
  • crop protection
  • smart irrigation
  • environmental sustainability
  • carbon-neutral agriculture
  • food security
  • 3D genome and nanotechnology
  • nano-antimicrobials

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Nano
applnano
- 4.6 2020 14.8 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
4.3 9.2 2010 15.4 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Plants
plants
4.1 7.6 2012 17.7 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 19.3 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Agriculture
agriculture
3.6 6.3 2011 18 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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30 pages, 7554 KiB  
Article
Plant-Based ZnO Nanoparticles for Green Nanobiocontrol of a Highly Virulent Bacterial Leaf Blight Pathogen: Mechanistic Insights and Biocompatibility Evaluation
by Preeda Chanthapong, Duangkamol Maensiri, Paweena Rangsrisak, Thanee Jaiyan, Kanchit Rahaeng, Atcha Oraintara, Kunthaya Ratchaphonsaenwong, Jirawat Sanitchon, Piyada Theerakulpisut and Wuttipong Mahakham
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1011; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131011 - 30 Jun 2025
Abstract
Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), poses a serious threat to rice cultivation. This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal plant Centella asiatica [...] Read more.
Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), poses a serious threat to rice cultivation. This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal plant Centella asiatica (L.) Urban and evaluates their potential as dual-function nanopesticides. The synthesized CA-ZnO NPs exhibited high crystallinity, a hexagonal to quasi-spherical morphology, and nanoscale dimensions (~22.5 nm), as confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and SAED analyses. These nanoparticles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against a highly virulent, field-derived Thai Xoo strain, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 µg/mL. Mechanistic investigations revealed substantial membrane disruption, intracellular nanoparticle penetration, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in treated cells. Cytotoxicity testing using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) revealed excellent biocompatibility, with no statistically significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL. In contrast, viability markedly declined at 1000 µg/mL. These findings underscore the selective antibacterial efficacy and minimal mammalian cytotoxicity of CA-ZnO NPs. Overall, CA-ZnO NPs offer a promising green nanopesticide platform that integrates potent antibacterial activity with biocompatibility, supporting future applications in sustainable crop protection and biomedical nanotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Nano-Enabled Innovations in Agriculture)
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