Development and characterization of edible and active coating based on xanthan gum nanoemulsion incorporating betel leaf extract for fresh produce preservation.

Developing an edible and active coating, incorporating environmentally-friendly antimicrobial agents into edible polymers, provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging and exhibits significant potential in preserving the quality of postharvest food. Herein, we aim to develop a novel edible and active coating based on xanthan gum (XG) nanoemulsion (NE) incorporating betel leaf extract (BLE) for the preservation of fresh produce. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract of BLE at various concentrations were characterized. Further development of the active coating at different formulations of Tween 80 (1 % and 3 % w/v), XG (0.1 % to 0.5 % w/v), and BLE (1 % to 5 % w/v) was characterized by physical stability, viscosity, and antimicrobial properties. Results showed that the active coating at 1 % BLE showed significant antimicrobial properties against diverse bacterial and fungal foodborne pathogens (e.g., B. cereus, S. aureus) and fungal cultures (e.g., C. albicans). The study also examined the shelf-life of tomatoes coated with the BLE-XG NE solution, stored at 4 °C for 27 days. Analyses of weight retention, soluble solids, pH, texture, sensory attributes, and microbial populations showed that the coating effectively preserved tomato quality, highlighting its potential to preserve fresh produce and enhance food security.

Foliar application of Fe2O3 nanofertilizer on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1.

The growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1 were studied using Fe2O3-nano fertilizer (Fe2O3-N) in combination with Azotobacter, Farmyard manure (FYM), and Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Hydrothermally synthesized Fe2O3 nanoparticles characterized with XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The experiment consisting 12 treatments viz. T1 (Fe2O3-N), T2 comprising of Fe2O3-N + FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T3 (Fe2O3-N + Azotobacter + PSB), T4 (Fe2O3-N + FYM + Azotobacter), T5 (Fe2O3-N + FYM + PSB), T6 (Fe2O3-N + FYM), T7 (Fe2O3-N + Azotobacter), T8 (Fe2O3-N + PSB), T9 (PSB), T10 (Azotobacter), T11 (FYM), and T12 (control). Fe2O3 NPs positively enhance the photosynthetic activity and stimulate catalyze enzymatic action in plant leaves that effect the health of the plant and remarkably increase the crop yield. Application of Fe2O3-nano fertilizer (Fe2O3-N) along the Azotobacter, FYM, and PSB was shown encouraging growth effects to improve the cropping behavior. Fe2O3 NPs positively enhance the photosynthetic activity and stimulate catalyze enzymatic action in plant leaves that effect the health of the plant and remarkably increase the crop yield.

This research is a detailed study of nontoxic Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle as nanofertilizers on the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) cv. Pusa Snowball K-1. Growth of nanoparticles was carried out by environment friendly hydrothermal method. It was found that Fe₂O₃ NPs positively enhance the photosynthetic activity and stimulate catalyze enzymatic action in plant leaves that effect the health of the plant and remarkably increase the crop yield.The novelty of this work is that nanoparticles are used to enhance the growth and yield of the crop. This research will reflect new point of view toward the nanoparticle as nanofertilizers instead of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase the yield of crop.

Nanotechnology for sustainable agro-food systems: The need and role of nanoparticles in protecting plants and improving crop productivity.

The rapid population growth and environmental challenges in agriculture need innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the growing need for food worldwide. Recent nanotechnological advances found its broad applicability in agriculture's protection and post-harvesting. Engineered nanomaterials play a vital role in plant regulation, seed germination, and genetic manipulation. Their size, surface morphology, properties, and composition were designed for controlled release and enhanced properties in agriculture and the food industry. Nanoparticles can potentially be applied for the targeted and controlled delivery of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, etc. This help to eliminate the use of chemical-based pesticides and their water solubility, protect agrochemicals from breakdown and degradation, improve soil health, and naturally control crop pathogens, weeds, and insects, ultimately leading to enhanced crop growth and production capacity in the food industry. They can be effectively utilized for nano-encapsulation, seed germination, genetic manipulation, etc., for protecting plants and improving crop productivity, safe and improved food quality, and monitoring climate conditions. Nanoparticles played a crucial role in the uptake and translocation processes, genetically modifying the crops, high seed germination, and productivity. In this article, we have reviewed some important applications of nanoparticles for sustainable agro-food systems. The need and role of nanotechnology concerning challenges and problems faced by agriculture and the food industry are critically discussed, along with the limitations and future prospects of nanoparticles.