Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms: A focus on endophytic fungi
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke,
Olumayowa Mary Olowe,
Modupe Stella Ayilara,
Oluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi,
Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo,
Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji,
Damian C. Onwudiwe,
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
Affiliations
Bartholomew Saanu Adeleke
Microbiology Programme, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, PMB 353, Okitipupa, Nigeria; Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Olumayowa Mary Olowe
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Modupe Stella Ayilara
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; Deaprtment of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Nigeria
Oluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; Deaprtment of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Nigeria
Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
Damian C. Onwudiwe
Materials Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus), Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, South Africa
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa; Corresponding author. Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa.
The concept of this review underscores a significant shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, particularly from the view point of microbial biotechnology and nanotechnology. The global food insecurity that causes increasing ecological imbalances is exacerbating food insecurity, and this has necessitated eco-friendly agricultural innovations. The chemical fertilizers usage aims at boosting crop yields, but with negative environmental impact, thus pushing for alternatives. Microbial biotechnology and nanotechnology fields are gaining traction for their potential in sustainable agriculture. Endophytic fungi promise to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) that can enhance crop productivity and contribute to ecosystem stability. Leveraging on endophytic fungi could be key to achieving food security goals. Endophytic fungi explore diverse mechanisms in enhancing plant growth and resilience to environmental stresses. The application of endophytic fungi in agricultural settings is profound with notable successes. Hence, adopting interdisciplinary research approaches by combining mycology, nanotechnology, agronomy, and environmental science can meaningfully serve as potential pathways and hurdles for the commercialization of these biotechnologies. Therefore, setting regulatory frameworks for endophytic nanomaterials use in agriculture, by considering their safety and environmental impact assessments will potentially provide future research directions in addressing the current constraints and unlock the potential of endophytic fungi in agriculture.
