eChapters

Introduction

Nanofertilizers are products of nanotechnology that are created or modified from conventional fertilizers, bulk fertilizer materials, or plant extracts. They use different methods such as chemical, physical, mechanical, or biological processes to produce nanosized particles that can enhance soil fertility, crop productivity, and quality (KhetiGaadi 2022). Nanofertilizers have a size range of 0.1–100 nm, which is similar to the size of plant cell wall (20 nm), making them easier to be absorbed by plants (Tiwari 2022).

Introduction 
There are terrible consequences of climate change for the planet and all human endeavors. According to statistics provided by the Bureau of Social and Economic Affairs which indicate the rate of increase in global human population is frightening; by 2050 (Rebello et al., 2010), the population is expected to surpass 9.8 billion people. Thus, throughout the course of 30 years from now, the community will encounter several issues that will threaten the survival of the majority of living things on Earth. These issues include the shortage of energy, global warming, greenhouse effects, poisonous gas emissions, and abrupt changes in the environment. The usage of natural fuels as our primary source of energy has raised issues in international scientific organizations, which are working to address one of the key causes of these problems (Zhu et al., 2016). The one method to address the issue is to find an environmentally sustainable fossil fuel replacement that can meet the world’s expanding energy needs (Dincer et al., 2000). Biofuels are one of the viable options and it is an alternative to fossil fuels since they are affordable and harmless to the surroundings (Ma et al., 2014). Various countries around the world are utilizing them to partially substitute the consumption of natural fuels. For example, Brazil uses sugarcane, while parts of Asia and Europe primarily rely on palm oil for production. In the case of biofuels made from microalgae, the United States, Brazil, China, and Japan are the biggest producers. Currently, biofuel generation predominantly relies on three distinct generations of raw organic resources, as outlined by Zhu et al. (2016) and Brennan et al. (2016). These groups represent different sources and technologies utilized to produce biofuels on a global scale. Biofuels classified as first-generation are those derived from feedstocks that are suitable for human intake, such as wheat, sugarcane, maize, palm oil, and sugar beet. Biofuels classified as secondgeneration are derived from lignin and cellulosic feedstock, which consists of non-food crop portions including husks, stems, and leaves that are often thrown away (Kalnes et al., 2007 ; Naik et al., 2010 ; Zhu et al., 2016). However, these biofuel sources can partially fulfill the world’s energy demands. One method to overcome this limitation involves third-generation biofuels, which are generated by cultivating single-celled photosynthetic microorganisms capable of converting carbon dioxide and sunlight into biomass and lipid molecules used in biofuel production (Abomohra et al., 2017).

Nanomaterials are a field which takes a materials science-based approach to nanotechnology. It studies materials with morphological features on the nanoscale, and especially those which have special properties stemming from their nanoscale dimensions. Nanoscale is usually defined as smaller than a one tenth of a micrometer in at least one dimension, though this term is sometimes also used for materials smaller than one micrometer.

An aspect of nanotechnology is the vastly increased ratio of surface area to volume present in many nanoscale materials which makes possible new quantum mechanical effects, for example the “quantum size effect” where the electronic properties of solids are altered with great reductions in particle size. This effect does not come into play by going from macro to micro dimensions. However, it becomes pronounced when the nanometer size range is reached. A certain number of physical properties also alter with the change from macroscopic systems. Novel mechanical properties of nanomaterials are a subject of nanomechanics research. Catalytic activities also reveal new behaviour in the interaction with biomaterials.

Nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for revolutionizing sensing and detection technologies, offering unprecedented capabilities in sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization. The current chapter provides a concise overview of recent advancements in the utilization of nanomaterials for sensing and detection applications. It encompasses a diverse range of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanowires, each exhibiting unique properties that enable enhanced performance in sensing applications. The integration of nanomaterials into sensing platforms has demonstrated remarkable progress in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics & security applications.

This section explores how nanoparticles have a significant influence on sensing and detection, explaining how they have revolutionized analytical capabilities. Our trip through many kinds of nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles, semiconductor nanomaterials, and carbon-based structures, aims to explore their distinct features and how they might be used for novel sensing methods. The intricacies behind sophisticated sensor technologies are clarified through an examination of plasmonic sensing, quantum dot applications, and conductive nanomaterial responses. In order to improve selectivity, the chapter emphasises surface modifications and biomimetic coatings as key components of strategic functionalization techniques.

Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine, has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing complex health challenges. One area of significant interest is the application of nanotechnology in maintaining and improving gut health. This chapter provides a concise overview of the current state of research in nanomedicine's role in promoting gastrointestinal well-being.

Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer novel approaches for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics in the gastrointestinal tract. Engineered nanoparticles can navigate the harsh conditions of the digestive system, delivering therapeutic agents precisely to the intended sites within the gut.

Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology. The approaches to nanomedicine range from the medical use of nanomaterials, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology. Current problems for nanomedicine involve understanding the issues related to toxicity and environmental impact of nanoscale materials.

Nanomedicine research is receiving funding from the US National Institute of Health. Of note is the funding in 2005 of a five-year plan to set up four nanomedicine centers. In April 2006, the journal Nature Materials estimated that130 nanotech-based drugsanddeliverysystems were being developed worldwide.

Nanoparticle characterization is necessary to establish understanding and control of nanoparticle synthesis and applications. Characterization is done by using a variety of different techniques, mainly drawn from materials science. Common techniques are electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF),ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and dual polarisation interferometry.

Whilst the theory has been known for over a century (see Robert Brown), the technologyfor Nanoparticle trackinganalysis (NTA) allows direct tracking of the Brownian motion and thismethodtherefore allows the sizing of individual nanoparticles in solution.

Nanomaterials, a cornerstone of nanotechnology, encompass a broad array of particles showcasing remarkable properties and diverse applications. This chapter outlines the classifications and applications of various nanomaterials, including organic, semiconductor, metal, metal oxide, and carbon-based nanoparticles. Each type offers unique characteristics, such as biodegradability, optical and electrical properties, making them valuable in fields like drug delivery, electronics, and catalysis. Furthermore, this study focuses on the interactions of nanoparticles with living organisms, emphasizing their impact on immune systems across plants, invertebrates, and humans. 

Bipolar plates (BPPs) are essential components of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, performing functions related to gas distribution, current collection, thermal management, water management, and cell separation. This chapter examines conventional and advanced materials used for BPPs, with particular emphasis on nanoparticle-enhanced composite systems. The incorporation of nanoparticles can improve electrical and thermal conductivity while reducing weight and supporting environmental sustainability. Materials, synthesis and fabrication techniques, and additive manufacturing approaches are discussed. The chapter also considers cost and scalability because these factors influence the wider commercialization of fuel-cell technologies. Nanoparticle-reinforced composites are presented as promising lightweight alternatives for sustainable energy applications.

14.1 Introduction

The fast growing field of nanotechnology presents great potential to influence various sectors in the areas of energy, environment, agriculture, health care and consumer goods. To overcome the demanding need of nano-based applications, various strategies to synthesize nanoparticles have been attempted. The major focus is to synthesize nanoparticles of desirable properties such as shape, size and compositions. Various strategies have been employed to synthesize nanoparticles. Foremost among these are physical and chemical methods which include sol-gel technique, solvothermal synthesis, chemical reduction, laser ablation and inert gas condensation. But altogether they suffer from process limitations like difficulty in controlling experimental conditions, feeble reproducibility, polydispersity, costly instrumentation and recovery as well as energy intensive and eco-hazardous processes. However, various factors like cost, speed, efficiency, biocompatibility etc. are still not concerned. Thus, finding a balance between scalability, price and applicability is still a true challenge. These limitations can be potentially overcome by using biological methods for nanoparticle synthesis.

Agri-nanotechnology is a new branch of biology that has originated due to the compatibility of nanosized inorganic and organic particles with biological functions. Based on enhanced effectiveness, the new age drugs are nanoparticles of polymers, metals, or ceramics, which can facilitate several biological applications. Plant diseases are caused by pathogens including fungi, bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses and viroids, nematodes, parasitic plants, and protozoa. 

Introduction

Nanotechnology is a scientific and technological field that manipulates matter at the nanoscale to create, design, characterize, and use structures, systems, and devices with novel properties (Sattler 2016). Nanoparticles are one of the most important products of nanotechnology, as they exhibit different features from their bulk counterparts due to their size and shape (Sabir et al., 2014). Nanoparticles have applications in various disciplines, such as materials science, medicine, agriculture, physics, and chemistry.

Synthesis of nanoparticulate metal composites (NMCP) presents a multitude of advantages compared to conventional dosage forms. Acne, a multifactorial skin condition, predominantly involves the pilosebaceous unit and is primarily caused by bacterial species such as Propionibacterium acnes and Acne vulgaris. A staggering 95% of the global population is afflicted by acne. Leveragitng NMCP strategies holds immense promise for innovating novel, efficacious, and low-dose treatments for managing acne. This review delves into various nanotechnological methodologies tailored for effectively addressing acne. Methods: This review encompasses recent advancements pertaining to NMCP carriers aimed at treating acne.

Introduction

Nanopesticides are pesticides that use nanomaterials or nanotechnology to improve their effectiveness and safety in agriculture. Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension between 1 and 200 nm. Nanomaterials have different properties than their bulk counterparts, such as higher surface area, reactivity, and mobility. Nanopesticides can be formulated in various ways, such as nanosized active ingredients, molecular active ingredient nanocarrier complexes, or active ingredients encapsulated or coated by nanomaterials (Deka et al., 2021; Xu et al., 2022).

Introduction

Plastic is the main component of environmental pollution, as it is continuously disposed of into the environment in substantial quantities. Since the creation of the first plastic polymer in the mid-twentieth century, plastic production has increased dramatically, from 1.5 million tons in 1950 to 280 million tons of plastic produced in 2011, with an annual growth rate of 8.7 % (Europe, 2017). By the 2050s, humans are expected to generate 26 billion tons of plastic waste, four times the current levels of plastic waste globally. Due to this serious concern, the United Nations has prioritised plastic waste and its management as one of the fundamental environmental concerns in its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Plastics appear in the environment in visible and invisible forms. The visible form refers to common scenes, such as bags “flying” on tree branches, PET bottles floating in rivers, lakes, and seas or face masks we use daily. The visible form of plastic in the environment is an aesthetic mockery and a reminder of the socially indiscriminate reception of all offers from the petrochemical industry. The invisible form of plastics is called nanoplastics.

The hazardous toxic metals like cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr), which have detrimental health effects, are naturally discharged into the atmosphere in various ways viz., industrial wastes, anthropogenic sources, etc. Heavy metal pollution of the atmosphere has become a frightening ecological concern that has created serious threats to the ecosystem. These metals have been identified as group I, human carcinogens due to their persistence in the surroundings and bio-magnification in biological systems. Thus, the removal of heavy metals from the atmosphere becomes a serious matter from the biological and environmental point of view. In the past following techniques adoptedfor toxic heavy metals remediation were classified are bioadsorption, ion exchange, membrane filtration, flotation, and solvent extraction techniques.

Nanotechnologies are being spoken of as the driving force behind the new industrial revolution. The mass production of these nano materials and their applications mean a dramatic increase of workers dealing with Engineered Nano Materials (ENM) and becoming possibly exposed to resulting hazardous effects and increased environmental burden of the environment due to the leaks of these materials from industrial processes. It is, hence, essential to consider the importance of ENM safety and their new applications and understand that it is important for these materials and products to be safe to enable successful promotion of nanotechnology for useful applications (Eman M Osman, 2019). 

Characterization Tools: Microscopy

Nanosensors are any biological, chemical, or sugery sensory points used to convey information about nanoparticles to the macroscopic world. Their use mainly include various medicinal purposes and as gateways to building other nanoproducts, such as computer chips that work at the nanoscaleand nanorobots. Presently, there are several ways proposed to make nanosensors, including Top-down and bottom-up design, top-downlithography, bottom-upassembly, and molecular self-assembly.

Predicted applications

Medicinal uses of nanosensors mainly revolve aroundthe potential of nanosensors to accurately identify particular cells or places in the body in need. By measuring changes in volume, concentration, displacement and velocity, gravitational,electrical, and magneticforces, pressure, or temperature of cells in a body, nanosensors may be able to distinguish between and recognize certain cells, most notably those of cancer, at the molecular level in order to deliver medicine or monitor development to specific places in the body. In addition, they may be able to detect macroscopic variations from outside the body and communicate these changes to other nanoproducts working within the body.

Introduction

Seed is the key input in agriculture deciding the fate of productivity of any crops. Indeed, seed is referred as a nature’s “nano-gift” for agriculture. Seed is a smart delivery system where we shall make manipulation to achieve the desirable goals. The seed technologists in the country were trying to find a second or third generation technologies to address the issues of seed science. Nanotechnology is one of the cutting edge research areas that has enormous potentials to solve the unresolved field problems. The application of nanotechnology to the agricultural and food industries was first addressed by a United States Department of Agriculture roadmap published in September 2000. Nanotechnology in the agricultural front has been more useful in improving the existing crop management techniques. Most of the applications of nanotechnology spearhead around nano encapsulated agrochemicals, herbicides, nano coated gene delivery and nano fertilizers (Nair et al., 2010).

In recent years application of nanotechnology in various fields including agriculture has received increased attention. Nanotechnology offers an important role in improving the existing crop management techniques especially in plant disease management by controlled and targeted release of agrochemicals to enhance their efficiency. The nano-based delivery systems are beneficial because of improvement in efficacy due to their higher surface area, higher solubility, induction of systemic activity, higher mobility and lower toxicity (Sasson et al., 2007). The pharmacokinetic parameters of nano particles may be altered according to size, shape and surface functionalization. They can also be used to alter the kinetic profiles of drug release leading to more sustained release of drug there by reducing the frequent application (Sharon et al., 2010). The successful use of metal nanoparticles in medical streams as antimicrobial agents has also led to their applications in controlling phyto pathogens (Nair et al., 2010).

Fruits and vegetables are perishables and the post-harvest losses from the point of production at the farm gate till it reaches the consumers is estimated as 30-35 per cent which constitute a major economic drain of more than 33 billion USD equivalent to Rs 2,40,000 crores annually. In order to reduce the losses at various stages, nanotechnologies have come as potential strategies to minimize the losses while improving the marketability and profitability of perishables. One of the plants derived natural compounds “hexanal” which is known to extend the shelf-life of fruits when it is used as a pre-harvest spray or post-harvest dip as a nano-emulsion. Since, it is a highly volatile compound, efforts were undertaken to entrap the compound in the polymer-based nano f ibres (as nano stickers) or as a cyclodextrin inclusion complex (as nano pellets) in order to preserve the perishables. Further, hexanal vapour was also evaluated to preserve fruits. In this book chapter, various nanotechnologies tested, evaluated and technologies developed over the years are elucidated. Overall, the literature review suggests that use of any of the nanotechnologies delivered as pre-harvest spray, post-harvest dip, nano-stickers, nano-pellets and vapour singly or in combination found to reduce the infestation of post harvest diseases, minimize the losses and extended shelf-life by 2-3 weeks that help the farmers to get lucrative prices due to the late arrival in the market besides significantly improve the productivity and profitability of orchards.

Biological diagnostic methods rely on the transmission and amplification of the pathogen in indicator hosts that develop symptoms. These methods test the biological properties of pathogens and early successes in the control of intracellular pathogens were largely due to the diagnosis of the causal agents by biological tests. The sensitivity of biological/serological tests is usually determined by the minimum number of pathogen propagules required to initiate infection. Inoculation with fewer particles could lead to false negative results. Biological techniques for disease diagnosis and pathogen detection are usually highly accurate but too slow and not amenable to large-scale application. 

Summary

Nanotechnology, the science of nanoscale structures has been applied in various fields including in biomedical sciences. Nanotechnology is being increasingly used to create materials and devices so as to interact with the body at sub-cellular scales with a high degree of specificity. Nanotechnology is used in the fight against cancer, cardiac and neurodegenerative disorders, infection and other diseases. This chapter provides an overview of some of the applications of nanotechnology in the field of biomedical sciences particularly with a focus on tissue engineering and medical diagnostics.

Nanotechnology: The Next Big Thing is Really Small

Nanotechnology can be considered as a brainchild of Richard Feynman, as the conceptual underpinings of nanotechnologies were first laid out in 1959 in his historical lecture, ‘ There is plenty of room at the bottom’. The term ‘nanotechnology’ was not used until 1974, when a researcher, Norio Taniguchi, at the University of Tokyo, Japan, used it to refer to the ability to engineer materials precisely at the nanometer level. The prefix ‘nano’ is derived from the Greek word ‘drawf’. One nanometer (nm) is equal to one billionth of a meter or about the width of six carbon atoms or ten water molecules. A human hair is approximately 80,000 nm wide and a red blood cell is approximately 7000 nm wide¹. Nanotechnology can be defined as the science and engineering involved in the design, synthesis, characterization and application of materials and devices whose smallest functional organization in at least one dimension is on the nanometer scale or one billionth of a meter^2-5. It is a multidisciplinary field, which covers a vast, and diverse array of devices derived from Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biology and the cumulative efforts of all the disciplines is necessary for any significant outcome.

With the development of improved systems for monitoring environmental conditions and delivering pesticides appropriately, nanotechnology can further improve our understanding of the biology of different crops and thus potentially enhance yields. It can offer routes to plant disease diagnostics, insect-pest management and efficient pesticides utilization. Nanostructure catalysts will help in increasing the efficiency of pesticides allowing lower doses to be used. 

Introduction
Climate change, rapid population growth and limited natural resources such as water and soil pose significant global challenges today. There have never been such drastic repercussions on fruit output worldwide from climate change. In this sense, utilizing methods from the present era of nanotechnology can enhance fruit output and encourage sustainability. Fruit crops have a multitude of roles in world agriculture, making them essential. They supply vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are necessary for maintaining human health and preventing disease. Fruit crops are important players in both local and foreign markets, bringing in large sums of money for farmers and generating a large number of job opportunities, especially in rural areas. Fruit orchards improve soil health and decrease erosion, which promote biodiversity and increase climate resilience. Furthermore, fruits are highly valued on a cultural and social level around the world, enhancing communal customs and culinary traditions. Fruit crops meet nutritional needs by diversifying diets and enhancing food security, which makes them essential
The term ‘nanotechnology’ is derived from the Greek word “nano,” which means dwarf. The development of nanotechnology is closely linked to a historic statement made by Nobel Prize winner Richard Phillips Feynman “There is plenty of room at the bottom”. Designing, characterizing, manufacturing and applying structures, devices and systems by manipulating their size and shape at the nanoscale scale is known as nanotechnology. A nanometer, abbreviated as nm, is one billionth of a meter, or 1×10-9 meters. Nanoparticles are structures with sizes between 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanotechnology may be very helpful in many areas of science and industry by utilizing the special properties of nanoparticles. Understanding and manipulating matter at the nanoscale is of special interest to researchers in the domains of science, medicine, agriculture and industry since materials at this scale frequently exhibit radically different properties from those at larger scales. Nanoparticles find extensive applications in the fields of biotechnology, electronics, textiles, biomedicine, communication technology, biotechnology and renewable energy. In the field of agriculture, innovative nanomaterials have demonstrated great promise for the creation of hybrid crop varieties, new high-efficient agrochemicals for crop protection and nutrition and new crop types through genetic engineering. Additionally, the use of nanomaterials enhances the production of nutraceuticals, the efficiency of pesticides and fertilizers, food processing, packaging, food safety and plant nutrition. It also reduces environmental pollution.

Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study and manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, where unique phenomena allow for novel applications. Nanotechnology is the utilization of components smaller than 100 nanometers for manufacturing and bio-fabrication. This adaptable technique had a wide range of uses, from clothing manufacture to medical advancements such as cancer detection and treatment, among others. The name “nano” comes from Greek, which meaning incredibly small, and a nanometer (nm) is equal to 10 -9 m. Nanotechnology, also called as Molecular Manufacturing based Nanotechnology (MNT) as it involves experimentation and manipulating of nano particles, in order to design and build materials and devices with the basic structure in the nanometer scale. Nano material which can exist in the form of powder or liquid, exhibits significantly different physical and chemical properties at nanoscales compared to their micro size materials with similar chemical composition. Nano food refers to food in nanoparticles, nanotechnology techniques or tools are used during cultivation, production, processing, or packaging of the food.
The development of both organic and inorganic materials achieved through conversion and manipulation of the materials on an atomic and molecular scale [Grumezescu et al., 2018; Dera & Teseme, 2020]. By reducing the particle size below its outset to approximately 1–100 nm, the physical and chemical properties of the materials significantly differed when compared to the original materials despite they contain the same base materials. The unique
and incomparable properties of nanoscale materials are arise due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio compared to the microscale of the same materials [Grumezescu et al., 2018, Berekaa, 2015].

Nanotechnology is a field of study which deals with materials at nano-scale like nanometer which is one billionth of a meter (1 nm = 10-9 meter). At nano-scale, physics, chemistry and biology converge towards the same principles and tools. Nanotechnology is domain in science and technology, which is multidisciplinary in nature and any scientist, engineer, medical doctor can do research on nanotechnology. Presently, it is more of a science and less of a technology because of a lack of proper tools for studying the properties of nano-material. Nano-particles (NPs) are materials that are small enough to fall within the nanometric range, with at least one of their dimensions being less than a hundred nanometres. This reduction in size brings about significant changes in their physical properties with respect to those observed in bulk materials. The presence of naturally occurring NPs is implicated in interplanetary and interstellar space (Hochella Jr, 2002) as well as our earth in which life from the beginning has evolved in their presence (Becker and Reitmeijer, 2006). Currently it is observed that NPs can be synthesized from many biological organisms including plants.

Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a mounting global crisis that threatens public health, food security, and development. The rapid spread of resistant pathogens has rendered many conventional antibiotics ineffective, leading to longer illnesses, increased mortality, and escalating healthcare costs(1)(2). The World Health Organization characterizes AMR as a top-ten global health threat, driven by overuse, misuse, and inadequate dosing of antibiotics. It already kills 700,000 people a year and is expected to kill 10 million people a year by 2050 if nothing is done about it(3). After penicillin was introduced to the market in 1941, the first signs of resistance appeared in staphylococci, streptococci, and gonococci. By 1942, Staphylococcus aureus, which was penicillin-resistant, emerged(4). Drug resistance must be effectively addressed for a few reasons, including public health, economic considerations, and the long-term viability of medicine. Maintaining the effectiveness of existing treatments for infectious diseases is an important objective(5). NDDS technologies have emerged as powerful tools to enhance the delivery, bioavailability, and targeting of antimicrobial agents, potentially reviving older antibiotics, and maximizing the efficacy of novel compounds(6). Parallelly, AI has found impactful applications in biomedical data analysis, drug discovery, and the rational design of therapies by processing complex datasets, predicting resistance patterns, and guiding the creation of new molecules. The integration of AI with NDDS marks a paradigm shift to optimizes delivery systems, guides individualized treatment plans, and advances the field towards precision medicine for infectious diseases (7). This chapter surveys the convergence of these technologies, exploring how AIenhanced NDDS platforms are reshaping the response to AMR. Additionally, it examines diverse AI models and algorithms employed in the prediction, optimisation, and management of drug resistance, enhanced by real-time case studies for thorough comprehension(fig1.).

History and Recent Developments

Richard P. Feynman in 1959 suggested that it should be possible to build machines small enough to manufacture objects with atomic precision. His talk “There is plenty of Room at the Bottom” is widely considered to be the foreshadowing of Nanotechnology. He delivered this talk at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), In 1990, a team of IBM Physicists revealed that they could write (arrange) the letter IBM using 35 individual atoms of Xenon.

In 1992 a book entitled Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing and Computation was published by Eric Drexler where he outlined a way to manufacture extremely high performance machines out of molecular carbon lattice (diamondoid).

Around year 2000, federal funding for Nanotechnology in the United States began with National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). NNI defined nanotechnology as dealing with materials with sizes between 1 and 100 nanometers exhibiting novel properties.

The Government of India, in May 2007 launched a mission on Nano sceince and nano technology (Nano Mission) with an allocation of `1,000 crores.

Nanotechnology, which deals with understanding and control of matter at dimension of roughly 100 nm and below, has a cross sectoral application and an interdisciplinary orientation. At this scale, the physical, chemical and biological properties of materials differ from the properties of individual atoms and molecules or bulk matter, which enable novel applications. Nanotechnology research and development is directed towards understanding and creating improved materials, devices and systems that exploit these properties as they are discovered and characterized

There are many applications of nanotechnology such as in the area of medicine, chemistry and environment, energy, agriculture, information and communication, heavy industry and consumer goods. The alleged potential of this technology has garnered the attention of both developed and developing countries across the globe. The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has listed it as one of six priority areas; it is one of the themesin the EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development in Europe; and it has been the focus of research in countries worldwide.

Introduction

Plant diseases are one of the causes of concern in agriculture and horticulture industry. Estimated global crop loss due to plant diseases exceeds hundred billion US$ worldwide (Orke et al. 1994; Narayanasamy, 2010). Plant diseases are caused by microorganism such as fungi, bacteria, viral, viroids and phytoplasma. Most of the plant pathogens are transmitted through seed or planting material, which can spread secondarily through vectors and lead to severe loss to the crop. Among plant diseases, viral diseases cause serious crop losses and affect the quality of products, while the use of virus- free seeds and planting stocks results in a substantial increase in agricultural crop production (Waterworth & Hadidi, 1998; Strange& Scott, 2005).

Indian Agriculture is facing a wide spectrum of constraints such as burgeoning population, shrinking farm land, restricted water availability, imbalanced fertilization, low soil organic carbon, besides experiencing the fatigue of green revolution and vagaries of climate change. To address all the challenges ahead, we should think of an alternate technology such as “nanotechnology” to precisely detect and deliver the correct quantity of nutrients or other inputs required by crops that promote productivity while ensuring environmental safety. The word “nano” refers to the size of one-billionth of a metre or one-millionth of a millimeter in any one of the dimension. We are aware that all materials are made up of atoms which are the smallest units and for example, ten hydrogen atoms put together will measure one nanometer. As the size gets reduced, the surface area gets increased by several folds.

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionizethe agricultural andfood industry with newtools forthemoleculartreatmentof diseases, rapid disease detection, enhancing the ability of plants to absorb nutrients etc. Smart sensors and smart delivery systems will help the agricultural industry combat viruses and other crop pathogens. In the near futurenanostructured catalysts will beavailable which will increase the efficiency of pesticides and herbicides, allowing lower doses to be used. Nanotechnology will also protect the environment indirectly through the use of alternative (renewable) energy supplies, and filters or catalysts to reduce pollution and clean-up existing pollutants.

Introduction 
Modern energy policies place a strong emphasis on developing low-carbon energy sources while also ensuring that society has enough energy security. However, because fossil fuels play such a vital part in the global energy system, measures to reduce GHG emissions from fossil fuels must be found. Researchers and scientists are examining the characteristics of materials at the nanoscale level to identify compounds that might boost the efficiency of the energy sources we now use. The physical properties of several materials (such as strength, heat conductivity, and reflectance) alter at the nanoscale in comparison to their bulk properties. When compared to their bulk properties, several materials have distinct physical properties at the nanoscale (such as strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, and reflectance). several materials on a nanoscale. Additionally, materials with nanostructures are more suited for material-to-material interactions due to their higher surface to unit weight volume ratio. This is a useful characteristic as many chemical and electrical reactions take place at surfaces and are greatly impacted by the chemical composition of the reactant and the surface’s structure. The goal of nanotechnology research in the fossil fuel industry is to create novel catalysts that will improve the energy efficiency of the fossil fuel breakdown process. Given that heavy crude oil contains sulphur. The transformation of coal into liquid fuels for use in transportation requires the employment of several kinds of catalysts. Furthermore, because of their structure and the presence of electrons in their outer orbitals, which increases the potential for chemical reactions, the majority of typical catalysts used in cars today rely on valuable metals like platinum. Concerns about the supply of precious metals are raised by the industrialised world’s transport networks’ explosive expansion. Finding more affordable and readily available substitutes is imperative given the scarcity and high cost of these materials, and this will be emphasised in the researchers’ upcoming work. Additionally, because of their unique qualities that relate to the phenomena of corrosion resistance or their exceptionally strong qualities that are advantageous in turbomachinery components, nanomaterials are also helpful in power systems (1) . The application of nanotechnology in the production of resistant ceramics for use as insulators in gearbox lines results in smooth coatings that reduce the likelihood of fouling in cooling water intakes. Additionally, nanotechnology can improve a material’s conductivity and produce a superconductor at ambient temperature rather than a superconducting characteristic at very high temperatures. Renewable energy sources—also known as “green energy”—such as solar, wind, and ocean energy— allow countries to reduce their reliance on petroleum and address environmental problems related to the use of fossil fuels. In these technologies, nanotechnology is also employed. Mao and Chen concentrated their research efforts on developing nanotechnologies for a select group of renewable energy sources, including fuel cells, solar cells, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen generation. This research aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of nanotechnology’s application to the development of sustainable energy systems, including nanomaterials, nanofluids, and nanostructures.

1. Introduction
Aquaculture is rapidly emerging as one of the most important sectors in global food production, supplying an increasing share of the world’s demand for high-quality protein. As global populations rise and overfishing depletes wild fish stocks, aquaculture has become essential in addressing the global food security challenge. The expansion of aquaculture, however, presents a new set of challenges, particularly in the formulation and delivery of efficient and sustainable aquafeeds. Fish and crustaceans, like all living organisms, require precise nutrition for optimal growth, immune function, and reproduction. In commercial aquaculture, ensuring that farmed species receive the right balance of nutrients through formulated feeds is crucial to achieving high productivity and minimizing environmental impact.
`Traditional aquafeeds are designed to meet the nutritional needs of farmed species; however, they face several obstacles when it comes to efficient nutrient delivery. The aquatic environment poses unique challenges for feed stability and nutrient bioavailability, including:
• Water Stability: Aquatic feeds must resist rapid breakdown when exposed to water, ensuring that nutrients remain intact until they are ingested by fish or crustaceans.
• Nutrient Leaching: In water, nutrients can leach out of feeds before they are consumed, reducing their availability and increasing waste.
• Complex Dietary Requirements: Aquatic species have diverse and often complex dietary needs, which must be met through balanced and targeted feed formulations.

Introduction 
The creation of molecular-scale machinery and gadgets at a few nanometers (10^-9 m), known as nanotechnology, has a substantial impact on this topic and dramatically reduces the size of a cell. To assess how nanoparticles affect the synthesis and production of biofuels, particularly biodiesels, a variety of nanomaterials, including nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanometals, are being used (1). Research on biodiesel has shown that utilizing nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be a useful approach to implementing low-cost techniques that improve manufacturing quality. Because of their tiny size and special qualities, such as a high surface area-to-volume ratio, catalytic activity, considerable crystallinity, adsorption capacity, and stability, nanoparticles (NPs) are useful in the generation of biodiesel (2). Because of their high potential recovery properties, metal oxide nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are frequently used as nanocatalysts in the synthesis of biofuel and biodiesel (3, 4).This chapter critically evaluates the application of nanotechnology in the manufacturing and enhancement of biodiesel, addressing key challenges and potential advancements. Microalgae have been identified as a potentially useful feedstock for biodiesel production. The process of harvesting microalgae can be made much more efficient by employing a range of nanoparticles. Additionally, cost-cutting is facilitated by the recycling of nanomaterials and their incorporation into procedures including cell disruption, extraction, and harvesting. Furthermore, an array of nanocatalysts holds promise for enhancing the efficiency of biodiesel conversion (5). Classification of nanoparticles based on physical attributes as shown in (Fig.1). However, there is a growing emphasis on improving combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in the engine industry and its associated fields. Several studies indicate that the introduction of nanoadditives into blends of diesel and biodiesel fuels has yielded significant results.

Introduction

Off late our understanding of the composition and functions of the human gut microbiota has increased exponentially and there is a great interest in producing healthy foods in particular that which have an impact in improving the gastrointestinal health such as probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Many of these functional foods are dairy based and have been accepted greatly worldwide. Nonertheless, there has been a need for the development of nondairy probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic products (Salmeron 2017). This has prompted food scientists and food industrialists to study the feasibility of applying other fermenting substrates such as cereals for the development of innovative nondairy fermented functional foods. The importance of including nanoscience and nanotechnology techniques for the creation of fermented cereal beverages that contain specific bioactive nanoparticles and their role in food packaging systems will be discussed.

7.1 Introduction

Food processing has become one of the most competitive sectors in recent years. With increasing consumers’ demands, food industry needs to keep updating technology. These efforts are focussed at improving the organoleptic quality and nutrition of food and improve its keeping quality. This drives the industry to look for newer technologies which include new products as well as new processes. Some of the new processing technologies include non-thermal processes such as high pressure processing, pulsed electric fields and ultrasound processing. Advanced thermal processing techniques such as ohmic heating, inductive heating, extrusion and infrared heating have also been developed. Innovative methods for improving food quality through irradiation, removal of heat and moisture from food are now available. Newer packaging techniques now help to improve shelf-life and attractiveness of the food products and cater to the biodegradability of the packaging material. Hence, there is abundance of new products that have now become part of our daily life.

Food nanotechnology has its long history when the first step of revolution in food processing and improvement in quality of foods was introduced by Pasteur to kill the spoilage bacteria (1000 nm). Later, Watson and Crick’s model of DNA structure, which is about 2.5nm, opened the gateway of applications in biotechnology. Nanotechnology is defined as the design, production, and application of structures, devices, and systems through control of the size and shape of the material at the nanometer (10^-9 of a meter) scale. Nanotechnology is one such technology that has the potential to revolutionize the food industry. Taniguchi first used nanotechnology in 1974 to describe production technology at ultrafine dimensions. The word “nano” means “dwarf” in Greek and one nanometer is equivalent to 10^-9 m. Objects of this scale are not visible through the human eye or the ordinary optical microscope. A nanometer (nm) sized particle measures one billionth of a meter. A human hair measures 80,000 nm while a DNA strand is 2.5 nm wide whereas a protein chain is 5nm in diameter. Nanotechnology can be applied to develop nanoscale materials, controlled delivery systems, contaminant detection and to create nanodevices for molecular and cellular biology. Nanotechnology may be defined as the understanding and management of matter at dimensions of roughly 1-100 nanometers. Unique behavior of matter at the nanoscale enables novel applications. Nanoscale science, engineering, and technology can be used for imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale. Range of sizes of nanomaterials in the food sector and their relative position on nanoscale/microscopic scale are listed below.

Nanotechnology has been successfully applied in various fields such as agriculture, biochemistry and medicine. However, its application in food systems has been new and is yet to be scrutinised. It offers a range of physical and chemical benefits that can be employed in production, development, fabrication, packaging, storage and food distribution systems. These novel nanomaterials such as nanocapsules, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions, nanoencapsulation, nano packaging, nanotubes and nanosensors have been used to improve food quality with better shelf life. However, there is concern about the safety of these nanomaterials, especially because of partial knowledge about the effects of these materials on human health.

Introduction

Manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale, usually at dimensions less than 100 nanometers, is the focus of nanotechnology, also abbreviated as “nanotech,” a revolutionary branch of engineering and science. Particular material characteristics and behaviours, drastically different from their macroscopic equivalents, become apparent at this very microscopic size. With nanotechnology, we can design and build buildings, gadgets, and materials with hitherto unseen levels of control and accuracy.

Biocompatible, biodegradable, intelligent and responsive materials are currently an emerging area of interest in the field of efficient, safe, and green pesticide formulation. Using nanotechnology to design and prepare targeted pesticides with environmentally responsive controlled release via compound and chemical modifications has also shown great potential in creating novel formulations. Special attention was paid to intelligent pesticides with precise controlled release modes that can respond to micro-ecological environment changes such as light-sensitivity, thermo-sensitivity, humidity sensitivity, soil pH and enzyme activity (Huang et al., 2018).

Introduction
Eversince green revolution was introduced in 1960’s, the Indian agriculture has taken a series of transformations that resulted in paradigm shift from tradition farming to precision agriculture with an intend to address a wide array of challenges including burgeoning population, shrinking farm land, restricted water availability, imbalanced crop nutrition, multi-nutrient deficiencies, crop yield barriers and decline in soil organic matter. Agricultural scientists were looking for alternative strategy to tideover the bundle constraints with a single stop solution. Nanotechnology deals with atom-by-atom manipulations to evolve processes and products precised to overcome the farming challenges altogether that hardly possible to achieve by the traditional systems. Nanotechnology applications in agriculture include diagnostic devices for early detection of plant diseases (Chen and Hu, 2013), nano-agricultural inputs such as nano-fertilizer (Subramanian et al., 2015; yuvaraj and Subramanian., 2018; Nongbet et al., 2022; Verma et al., 2022; Mohanraj et al., 2024), nano-herbicides (Abigail and Chidhambaram, 2017; Forini et al., 2022) and nano-insecticides (Wang et al., 2022), nano-seed science, plant health management (Subramanian et al., 2016), nano-food systems (Anusuya et al., 2016; Jincy et al., 2017; Jan et al., 2023) besides environmental remediation (Rajkishore et al., 2023).
Even though the nanotechnology is being exploited in wide array of disciplines such as energy, environment, electronics, health sciences and few areas in agricultural sciences, the literature on the application of nanotechnology in plant breeding and genetics is scanty. Nanotechnology is a key component in the creation of genetically enhanced crops (Servin et al., 2015) with an increase crop yield or disease resistance (Kerry et al., 2017). Using genetic engineering or plant breeding, nano-enabled approach aids in the development of resilient and better plant genotypes (Patel et al., 2014). Plant breeding and genetic modification to create better crops frequently utilise nanotech-derived devices (nano sensors and nanoparticles) (Kumar and arora, 2020). Nanobiotechnology is to better understand the biology of various crops and the breeders may be able to increase agricultural yields or nutritional value (Sah et al., 2014). Atomically altered seeds, plant cells with silica beaks, hormone and antibiotic delivery in plants, particle farming, and iron seeding are a few examples. (Prasanna et al., 2018; Jha et al., 2013). Particle farming is the process of cultivating plants in predetermined soils to produce nanoparticles for industrial purposes. Plant production and growth are negatively impacted by abiotic stress. Salinity and drought are the two abiotic stressors that affect plants the most widely (Lavania et al., 2015; Zhao et al., 2017). Nano-enabled crop improvement can be achieved through four important aspects such as (1) genome editing, (2) genetic engineering, (3) abiotic and biotic stress management and (4) plant performance.

The impact of nanotechnology in the food industry has become more apparent over the last few years with the organization of various conferences dedicated to the topic, initiation of consortia for better and safefood, along with increased coveragein themedia. Several companies which were hesitant about revealing their research programmes in nanofood, have now gone public announcing plans to improve existing products and develop new ones to maintain market dominance. The typesof application include:smartpackaging, on demand preservatives, and interactive foods. Building on the concept of “on-demand” food, the idea of interactive food is to allow consumers to modify food depending on their own nutritional needs or tastes. The concept is that thousands of nanocapsules containing flavour or colour enhancers, or added nutritional elements (such as vitamins), would remain dormant in the food and only be released when triggered by the consumer.24 Most of the food giants including Nestle, Kraft, Heinz, and Unilever supportspecific research programmes tocapturea share of the nanofood market in the next decade.

The definition of nanofood is that nanotechnology techniques or tools are used during cultivation, production, processing, or packaging of the food. It does not mean atomically modified foodor foodproduced by nanomachines. Although there are ambitious thoughts of creating molecularfood using nanomachines, this is unrealistic in the foreseeable future. Instead nanotechnologists are moreoptimisticabout thepotential to changethe existing systemof food processingand to ensure the safety of food products, creating a healthy food culture. They are also hopeful of enhancing the nutritional quality of food through selected additives and improvements to the way the body digests and absorbs food. Although some of these goals are further away, the food packaging industry already incorporates nanotechnology in products.

Introduction

Nature has been performing wonderful feats for millions of years. All organisms from microbes to humans are powered by highly evolved molecular and cellular machines that operate at nano scale. The capability to manipulate, control, assemble, functionalise, produce and manufacture things at atomic precision provides an opportunity to understand this new and exciting field of science. Nanotechnology is application of science to control the properties and structure of matter at nanometric scale.

Despite substantial advances in the diagnostics and treatment of diseases, parasitic infections are a major global health issue causing significant mortality and morbidity. Currently, chemotherapeutic antiprotozoal drugs, anthelmintic and anti-ectoparasitic agents are used to treat, but resistance to these drugs has developed due to overuse. In this scenario, nanoparticles are proving a major breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic diseases. In the last decade, there has been enormous development in the field of nano medicine for parasitic control. Gold and silver nanoparticles have shown promising results in the treatments of various types ofparasitic infections. These nanoparticles are synthesized through the use of various conventional and molecular technologies and have shown great efficacy. 

Nanotechnology-based preservation employs materials generally measuring between 1 and 100 nanometres. Their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, adjustable surface chemistry and responsiveness to external stimuli enable highly controlled interactions with foods and microorganisms. Nanomaterials may deliver antimicrobial compounds, antioxidants and other active substances in a controlled or targeted manner. Silver, zinc oxide and chitosan nanoparticles can be incorporated into coatings and films to reduce microbial contamination while maintaining sensory and nutritional quality. The chapter discusses nanoencapsulation, nanoemulsions, antimicrobial nanoparticles and nanosensors for detecting spoilage and monitoring shelf life. It also considers effectiveness, controlled release, food applications, safety assessment and potential regulatory concerns associated with nanotechnology.