Nanoparticle Interactions with Beneficial Microorganisms: Enhancing Abiotic Stress Adaptation and Mitigation in Agricultural Crops
摘要
Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges in agriculture, particularly in mitigating abiotic stress in crops. The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and beneficial microorganisms has shown promise in enhancing plant resilience. Soil microorganisms play a vital role in nutrient cycling, pollutant decomposition, and soil-quality enhancement, with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria such as Bacillus, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium stabilizing nutrients in the rhizosphere and enhancing plant resilience. In this connection, it has been noticed that the increasing application of NPs in agriculture, including nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nanoremediation agents, raises concerns about their interactions with soil microbiota. NPs such as Fe, ZnO, TiO0., CuO, and Ag have demonstrated both beneficial and harmful effects on microbial communities. While some NPs promote microbial activity and enhance nutrient bioavailability, others induce toxicity by disrupting cell membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and interfering with metabolic functions. The extent of nanoparticle impact depends on factors like particle size, surface charge, capping agents, and the composition of bacterial cell walls. Taken together, this chapter discusses the mechanisms by which NPs interact with beneficial soil microbes to support plant growth, alleviate abiotic stress, and promote nutrient uptake. Additionally, the potential risks and bioaccumulation concerns of NPs in agricultural systems are explored.