Editorial: Myconanotechnology for sustainability

Introduction

Myconanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary research field that integrates fungal biology and nanotechnology to advance sustainability. Fungi exert profound effects on global health, biodiversity, and agriculture, thereby presenting both significant challenges and promising opportunities. While some fungal species are major causal agents of plant and animal diseases, others have been widely exploited for beneficial applications in diverse sectors, including medicine and agriculture (Corbu et al., 2023). Beyond conventional approaches, recent research has underscored the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize fungal diagnostics and pathogen management (Ray et al., 2023), as well as to harness fungi and their biomolecules for nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization (Xu et al., 2024). In developing this Research Topic, we identified a need to highlight recent advances in the application of nanotechnology to fungal biology, particularly those with commercial potential for sustainable agriculture and health.

Summary of research topic

Recently, there has been increasing interest in environmentally friendly, sustainable synthesis using fungal bioreactors. In this context, Sidhu et al. have reviewed the fungus-mediated synthesis of multimetallic nanoparticles (MMNPs). In this review, the authors highlight the importance of MMNPs compared to their monometallic counterparts. These complex nanoparticles possess unique properties, including increased catalytic activity, greater stability, and superior biocompatibility. This review also summarised the mechanisms of fungal-mediated synthesis, including enzymatic reduction and stabilisation pathways. This review also discussed the characterization and potential application of biosynthesized metal nanoparticles.

In another review, Kumar et al. summarised the effects of various formulations of metal nanoparticles on crop growth and other traits. They critically highlighted the use of eight metal nanoparticles, such as zinc, iron, copper, silver, calcium, titanium, gold, and selenium, in improving the agronomic and economic characteristics in agriculture. It has been reported that ZnO and Fe₂O₃-NPs enhance nutrient uptake in plants, ultimately leading to increased photosynthesis and abiotic stress tolerance. The other nanoparticles, such as Cu-NPs and Ag-NPs, showed antibacterial and antifungal activity and can serve as a novel plant disease control tool. Studies on Ca and TiO₂ nanoparticles have shown that they help crop plants cope with stresses such as salinity. At lower doses, Au and Se NPs have been found to enhance antioxidant activity and growth, whereas at higher doses they can cause negative effects. These findings have underscored the need for careful use of metal nanoparticles in agriculture.

The integration of green synthesis using bioextract can provide a more sustainable alternative for the synthesis and use of MNPs in agriculture. For the green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles, Shahid et al. employed cucumber extract for two diverse applications. Characterization of biosynthesized NPs has revealed their crystalline nature. The antifungal activity of these nanoparticles was evaluated against root rot of mungbean caused by Macrophomina. It was found that in in vitro conditions, there is a 55%–74% mycelial growth inhibition. In vivo studies have also shown that it is effective for controlling root-rot disease and promoting plant growth in mungbeans. In their study, the Ag NPs were more thermally stable than Au NPs and were explored to improve the performance of thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) organic LEDs. This was done to broaden the application of biosynthesized NPs application in agriculture and optoelectronics. The results of the study revealed that incorporating Ag NPs into the hole-injection layer substantially enhanced the performance of the TADF organic LED.

In the study by Belhedi et al., silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles were used to control the Fusarium brachygibbosum pathogen in olive. It has been reported that this is a serious pathogen of olive and produces mycotoxin. In their study, the team evaluated the effects of SiO₂ NPs on the growth and pathogenicity. These NPs at higher doses have shown effects on the fungal cell wall integrity and reduced pathogenicity in olive. These findings speculated on the future use of SiO₂ NPs as an alternative fungicide.

Prospects

These researchers and recent studies have highlighted the use of nanomaterials to develop novel nanofungicides with properties such as slow or targeted release and stimuli-responsive formulations for sustainable management of pathogens. Another important aspect is the development of nano-based diagnostic tools for early and reliable detection of fungal pathogens. The researcher can also explore the fungi-based synthesis of nanomaterials and their applications across various fields. There is also the possibility of enhanced performance of beneficial fungal species when supplemented with nanomaterials.

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Footnotes

Edited and reviewed by: Jan M. Macak, University of Pardubice, Czechia