Next-generation nanotechnology in plant genome editing for sustainable agriculture and environmental management: A comprehensive review

The integrated nanotechnology and plant genome editing are opening novel prospects for precision-based agriculture and ecological sustainability. Though some recent works highlighted advances in the two areas, there is still a gap in extensive reviews o relate emerging nanotechnologies, especially those influenced by quantum biology to practical uses in plant systems. This review fills the gap by addressing how next-generation nanomaterials and nano-enabled tools is transforming plant genome editing and environmental genomics. Recent advances in nanoscale delivery systems, such as biodegradable nanoparticles and nano-biohybrid systems, which enhance the specificity and targeting of gene editing, are explored. Development of real-time gene expression monitoring with nanosensors and the application of programmable nano-chips also pointed out to their contribution to the controlled and adaptive crop engineering. Moreover, the review discusses modification strategies of the epigenome, including targeted DNA methylation and histone modification, which facilitate long-term crop adaptation. The prospect of nano-enabled strategies in enhancing plant-microbe interactions, phytoremediation and soil health is also discussed. Moreover, optogenetic devices and light-dependent nanodevices are also novel techniques for spatially targeted genome regulation. Together with these technological improvements, the development of environmentally responsible nanomaterials could be safe and sustainable uses. Lastly, this review describes some of the major ethical, legal, and ecological issues related to the application of advanced genome editing technologies. Connecting the contributions of nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and plant science, this review provides a better map to approach future research to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system.