Gelatin Nanoparticles can Improve Pesticide Delivery Performance to Plants

Nanomaterials associated with plant growth and crop cultivation revolutionize traditional concepts of agriculture. However, the poor reiterability of these materials in agricultural applications necessitates the development of environmentally-friendly approaches. To address this, biocompatible gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) as nanofertilizers with a small size (approximate to 150 nm) and a positively charged surface (approximate to 30 mV) that serve as a versatile tool in agricultural practices is designed. GNPs load agrochemical agents to improve maintenance and delivery. The biocompatible nature and small size of GNPs ensure unrestricted nutrient absorption on root surfaces. Furthermore, when combined with pesticides, GNPs demonstrate remarkable enhancements in insecticidal (approximate to 15%) and weed-killing effects (approximate to 20%) while preserving the efficacy of the pesticide. That GNPs have great potential for use in sustainable agriculture, particularly in inducing plant growth, specifically plant root growth, without fertilization and in enhancing the functions of agrochemical agents is proposed. It is suggested conceptual applications of GNPs in real-world agricultural practices. Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs), with their unique properties, act as versatile nanofertilizers, enhance attachment to plant surfaces, enhance nutrient absorption, and deliver agrochemical agents effectively. They also stimulate plant growth without cytotoxicity, accelerating root growth through gene expression modulation. Furthermore, GNPs offer sustained delivery of agrochemicals, ensuring long-lasting effects and efficient pest control in real agricultural settings. This groundbreaking study paves the way for sustainable agricultural practices using nanotechnology. image