Recent Advances in Sugarcane-Mediated Nanocomposites and Its Applications

Sugarcane, a highly productive tropical crop known for its C4 photosynthetic efficiency, contributes approximately 70% of global sugar production and holds significant potential for biomass and ethanol-based biofuel production. Countries like Brazil and India lead in sugarcane production, with India experiencing a quadrupled increase in cultivated area and substantial improvements in yield and sugar recovery over the decades. The economic importance of sugarcane in India is profound, contributing significantly to the agricultural GDP and providing raw materials for various by-products, including ethanol, which is increasingly emphasized in energy policies. In addition to its agricultural and economic significance, sugarcane exhibits notable nutritional and medicinal properties. Sugarcane juice is rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and glycosides, and is traditionally used in various systems of medicine for its diuretic, aphrodisiac, laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have leveraged sugarcane for the sustainable synthesis of nanoparticles, presenting an environmentally friendly, economical, and scalable approach. Sugarcane-derived nanoparticles, such as silica, silver, copper, titanium, and gold, have demonstrated diverse applications ranging from environmental remediation to biomedical uses. These nanoparticles possess distinctive characteristics, including high surface area-to-volume ratios and quantum mechanical effects, making them suitable for catalysis, drug delivery, and as antimicrobial agents. The synthesis of nanoparticles using sugarcane components offers a sustainable method, avoiding toxic chemicals and high energy consumption typically associated with conventional methods. This review highlights the progress and potential of using sugarcane in the sustainable synthesis of nanoparticles, addressing current research gaps and suggesting future directions to harness the utmost potential of this approach. The integration of sugarcane in nanotechnology not only adds value to this important crop but also contributes to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies.