Optimizing the Chemistry of Bioinspired Materials to Enhance Smart and Sustainable Agricultural Applications

The transition to a circular bioeconomy is driving the development of nature-inspired smart materials that improve performance and sustainability. This review highlights trends in smart bioinspired materials designed to meet future food demands while enhancing agricultural sustainability. It focuses on properties like wettability, antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and gas and water permeability, among others. The application of smart material coatings on conventional fertilizers, seeds, and fruits is discussed, along with the design of nanodelivery systems to enhance agrochemical efficiency and the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Additionally, the review examines the use of bioinspired smart materials for transparent film packaging of fruits and vegetables, mulching, disease detection, and nutrient quantification, as well as hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting. Overall, this review sets a strong standard for the design and fabrication of smart materials in agriculture, promoting a sustainable future from seed sowing to consumption.