Puji Shandila, Tunjung Mahatmanto, Jue-Liang Hsu
Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are gaining attention as promising components of nanopesticides, offering innovative solutions to enhance agricultural pest management while addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional pesticides. MNPs, such as silver, copper, zinc, nickel, gold, iron, aluminum, and titanium, exhibit unique nanoscale properties. These properties enable the formulation of MNPs for controlled and sustained release, thereby reducing application frequency and minimizing environmental runoff. This controlled release mechanism not only improves pest management efficacy but also reduces risks to non-target organisms and beneficial species, aligning with the principles of sustainable crop protection. This review examines nanopesticides based on their specific targets, such as nanoinsecticide, nanobactericide, nanofungicide, nanonematicide, and nanoviricide. It also explores the mechanisms of action of metal-based nanoparticles, including physical disruption, chemical interactions, and biological processes. Additionally, the review details how MNPs compromise cellular integrity through mechanisms such as membrane damage, DNA disruption, mitochondrial impairment, and protein denaturation. Despite these advantages, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the environmental impact of MNPs, their long-term effects on soil health and ecosystem dynamics, and potential risks to human safety. Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing the full potential of MNPs in sustainable agriculture. © 2025 by the authors.
Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; Tropical Agricultural Research Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
