ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles (NPs) are particles with a size ranging from 1 to 100 nm. NPs can be synthesized by chemical, physical, and biological methods. The physical and chemical processes for nanoparticle synthesis require the use of toxic solvents, generation of hazardous by-products, and high energy consumption leading to development in biological synthesis of NPs by using microorganisms, plants; selecting the best microorganism and optimizing the reaction conditions are under constant research. Moreover, NPs has revolutionized the field of agriculture because of its small dimension and providing various benefits such as food quality enhancement and security, reduced input of agrochemicals in fields, reduced fertilization, augmentation in the absorption of nanoscale nutrients from the soil, and enhanced yield. The nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides are the primary candidates where NPs used in agriculture for the production of high-quality nutrients and products with improving yield in an eco-friendly manner. The present chapter provides a broad understanding of nanoparticles, highlights the drawbacks of conventional synthesis methods and includes evidence that biosynthesized nanoparticles are better for a sustainable environment and has massive scope for agriculture, pharmaceutical industries, and biomedical applications. Besides this chapter also covers the sustainable use of NPs in agriculture and food security.
