Title : Mycoprotein nanoparticles for sustainable agricultural production
Abstract:
Nanoparticles (<100nm) made through microbial proteins to reduce respective precursor salts into eco-friendly nanomaterial’s is a green alternative to chemical fertilizers for crop production and plant protection. It is a green synthesis process where bacteria, fungi or algae make use of their enzymes and biomolecules to reduce respective salts into nanoparticles either inside the cells by taking ions in, or outside the cell after tapping them on the cell surfaces where microbial proteins/polysaccharides acting as natural stabilizers. They often produced by metal ion capture followed by enzyme reduction, nucleation and growth and stabilization at near-room temperature with very eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis method. They may absorb and enter through plant leaves or roots and fabricate variety of physiological, biochemical and molecular changes to plants resulted improvement in nutrient uptake and efficiency, increases tolerance to adverse environment and protect against pest and diseases. Large nuclusterbean, gram, moth bean, mung bean), oilseeds (castor, groundnut, linseed, mustard) and vegetable crops (cabbage, cauliflower, potato, okra) with the microprotein nanoparticles under alluvial, arid, black and laterite soils. The results after two times foliar spray with the nanomaterial’s represent 15-42% increase in cereal yield, 14-39% build-up of legume yield, 18-26% rise in oilseeds yield and 22-54% gain of vegetable yields over recommended doses of fertilizer. It also helps to increase soil carbon sequestration, beneficial enzyme activities and soil health index. It may assist to overcome soil moisture stress, salinity, temperature stress and UV-radiation besides help in to prevent pathogenic, viral, insect and nematode attack. It shows no adverse effect of any plants with the recommended doses of application. The results clearly indicate microprotein synthesized nanoparticles may be the future for higher crop production under any adverse situation and to maintain soil sustainability.
