Agro-Wastes-Based Feedstock as a Source for Bionanomaterials Production: Outcomes and Challenges

Nanotechnology has notably impacted science and technology over recent years, especially in medicine, electronics, food safety, and energy. Using nanomaterials in agriculture has addressed several issues, such as crop protection, soil management, and post-harvest treatment. Literature reports suggest the use of nanotechnology in farming increases the nutrient uptake of soil. The positive outcomes of nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanosensors led to further experimentation of nanomaterials in agriculture-based applications. Second-generation biofuel production from agro-wastes ignited the curiosity of developing bionanomaterials. The emergence of structured nanomaterials such as nanofibers, nanocellulose, and nanoporous membranes led to several applications in nano-based product synthesis. Nanocatalysis, nanosensors, smart nanoparticle delivery, and nanomaterials in nutrient uptake were some of the recent applications of nanotechnology in precision agriculture. Most of the synthesized bionanomaterials were found to have medicinal value, especially those that use zinc, iron, silver, and gold as precursors. The critical question lies in the potential toxicity of nanoparticles in the environment, which is still unanswered. In short, this chapter lists the possible sources for bionanomaterials production concerning their commercial applications. Despite having a greater scope in agriculture, bionanomaterials production from agro-wastes holds an upper hand due to its easy availability and reduction potential. If the toxicity of the nanomaterial is adequately addressed, the choice of agro-wastes as a precursor in developing bionanomaterials may improve the commercial viability of green synthesis.