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Graphene as a nano-delivery vehicle in agriculture–current knowledge and future prospects
journal contribution
posted on 2022-11-21, 01:20 authored by N Bhattacharya, David CahillDavid Cahill, Wenrong YangWenrong Yang, M KocharGraphene has triggered enormous interest in, and exploration of, its applications in diverse areas of science and technology due to its unique properties. While graphene has displayed great potential as a nano-delivery system for drugs and biomolecules in biomedicine, its application as a nanocarrier in agriculture has only begun to be explored. Conventional fertilizers and agricultural delivery systems have a number of disadvantages, such as: fast release of the active ingredient, low delivery efficiency, rapid degradation and low stability that often leads to their over-application and consequent environmental problems. Advanced nano fertilizers with high carrier efficiency and slow and controlled release are now considered the gold standard for promoting agricultural sustainability while protecting the environment. Graphene’s attractive properties include large surface area, chemical stability, mechanical stability, tunable surface chemistry and low toxicity making it a promising material on which to base agricultural delivery systems. Recent research has demonstrated considerable success in the use of graphene for agricultural applications, including its utilization as a delivery vehicle for plant nutrients and crop protection agents, as well as in post-harvest management of crops. This review, therefore, presents a comprehensive overview of the current status of graphene-based nanocarriers in agriculture. Additionally, the review outlines the surface functionalization methods used for effective molecular delivery, various strategies for nano-vehicle design and the underlying features necessary for a graphene-based agro-delivery system. Finally, the review discusses directions for further research in optimization of graphene-based nanocarriers.
History
Journal
Critical Reviews in BiotechnologyPagination
1-19Location
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
0738-8551eISSN
1549-7801Language
EnglishPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalPublisher
Taylor & FrancisUsage metrics
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Keywords
agricultureagri-inputsBACTERIAL COMMUNITYBiotechnology & Applied MicrobiologyCARBON NANOMATERIALSfunctionalizationFUNCTIONALIZATIONGraphenegraphene oxideLife Sciences & Biomedicinenanocarriernanodelivery systemOXIDEPESTICIDE DELIVERYPLANTREDUCTIONScience & TechnologySLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZERSURFACE-CHEMISTRYVITAMIN-CBioengineeringNanotechnology7 Affordable and Clean EnergySchool of Life and Environmental SciencesFaculty of Science Engineering and Built EnvironmentBiological SciencesTechnology