Agro-Derived Nanomaterials via Green Synthesis for Preventive Health and Disease Control: Mechanistic Insights and Challenges

Abstract

The rising global burden of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the need for safer alternatives to synthetic health protective materials have driven intense research into bioactive nanomaterials. Agriculturally based nanomaterials (ABNMs), such as AgNPs, CuNPs, ZnO, nanocellulose, and biochar, are enriched with phytochemical residues or organic functional groups, further enhancing their biological potency. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how agricultural resources can be strategically leveraged to produce nanomaterials that are viable for various health security strategies. The general mechanism of ABNMs preparation includes chelation of metal ions by phytochemicals, redox-driven nucleation of metal atoms, growth and coalescence of nanocrystals, and surface passivation by biomolecular residues. These findings identify the recent multifunctional applications of ABNMs in one health approaches. They have been applied in disease prevention and the protection of plant crops, the environment, animals, and humans, through mechanisms such as antimicrobial activity, immunomodulation, targeted delivery of bioactive compounds, hormetic physiological stimulation, and environmental detoxification. However, critical challenges remain. Reports on in vivo safety, long-term ecotoxicological impacts, and interactions with soil microbiota are limited. Therefore, we underscore the necessity of comprehensive life-cycle assessments, environmental fate studies, and dose-response toxicological evaluations to balance the technological advantages of agro-derived nanomaterials with environmental and health safety considerations. Addressing the identified limitations, especially those related to reproducibility, scalability, and comprehensive toxicity evaluation, will be fundamental to unlocking their full potential in one health approaches.