Unveiling the Potential of Silver Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review of Their Application in Agriculture and Food Industries

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology has brought about a remarkable transformation in the food industry, introducing new technological advancements that have the potential to revolutionize the Agrifood sector. Nanoparticles, in particular, have become a viable resource for enhancing global agricultural production, enhancing nutritional value, and ensuring food safety and quality. One of the many varieties of nanoparticles is Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs),, which are widely utilized for their potent antibacterial and bactericidal properties and their wide range of antibacterial effects. The nanoparticles are typically produced by utilising three distinct methods, including chemical, physical, and green synthesis (biological techniques). The green synthesis strategy is the most commonly used, since it is affordable and environmentally beneficial. AgNPs have a wide range of uses in the food and agricultural industries, including Nanofertilizers, Plant Growth Aid, Pesticide Remediation, Plant Disease Management, Crop Protection, Food Processing, Food Packaging, Safety Enhancement, Quality Monitoring of food, Nano-sized Additives, Nutraceuticals, etc. Nanoparticles continue to drive innovation in the food and agricultural industry, from innovative packaging solutions to advanced sensing technologies and novel processing techniques. Nanotechnology has become an indispensable tool for addressing existing difficulties associated with packaging materials, positively impacting the quality, safety, and security of foods, and being advantageous to producers and consumers.