Polysaccharide polymer-based nanoparticles for nano fertilizer and nano pesticides–A review

The increasing global population and escalating threats from plant pathogens demand sustainable strategies for enhancing food security. While conventional fertilizers and pesticides remain essential, their overuse leads to pest resistance, disruption of soil microbiota, and environmental contamination. Smart polymeric materials particularly polysaccharide-based nanoparticles offer a promising approach for controlled and targeted agrochemical delivery. However, most existing reviews provide broad overviews of polymeric carriers without emphasizing the synthesis, mechanistic behaviour, and soil interactions of polysaccharide-derived nanocarriers. While polysaccharide-based nanoparticles are widely studied for agrochemical delivery, this review identifies critical gaps between lab-scale innovation and field applicability. We analyse trade-offs in scalability, environmental persistence, and regulatory barriers, proposing a roadmap for next-generation formulations (marine polysaccharides, enzyme-triggered release). It focuses on their mechanisms of action, structural features, delivery strategies, and highlights the specific challenges and future directions for optimizing their agricultural performance.