Metallic nano-pesticides have emerged as a promising technology in modern agriculture, offering improved efficacy, reduced environmental impact, and potential applications in precision agriculture. This review provides a comprehensive overview of metallic nano-pesticides, covering their synthesis methods, mechanisms of action, applications in pest and disease control, and ecological safety concerns. The synthesis section explores physical, chemical, and biological approaches, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. The antimicrobial effects of metallic nanoparticles are analyzed in terms of their interaction with microbial membranes, ion release, and photocatalytic activity. Their applications as fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides are discussed, emphasizing their role in combating pesticide resistance and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, concerns regarding their environmental fate, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity to soil microbiota and plants are critically examined. Finally, future perspectives on integrating nano-pesticides with smart agricultural technologies, risk assessment frameworks, and sustainable synthesis strategies are discussed, underscoring their potential to drive the transition toward eco-friendly and high-efficiency agricultural systems.

Chu Wan, Shuquan Xin, Xiaodan Li, Xinpei Wei, Jiangfeng Yang. Advances in Metallic Nano-Pesticides: Synthesis, Mechanisms, Applications, Safety, and Future Perspectives. Academic Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences(2025), Vol. 6, Issue 1: 33-40. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJALS.2025.060105.

[1] Xuejian, C., et al., Past, Present and Development Trend of Pesticide Formulations. modern agrochemicals, 2024. 23(05): p. 1-6.

[2] Qiuyu, X., et al., Research progress of nanomaterials based on pesticide application scenarios. Modern agrochemicals, 2024. 23(05): p. 17-23+31.

[3] Guoliang, Z., Discussion on the restrictive factors and countermeasures to improve the utilization efficiency of biological pesticides on fruit trees. Agriculture and technology, 2012. 32(05): p. 39-40.

[4] Jiadong, Z., Construction and application of lignosulfonate nano-pesticide. 2023, Zhejiang University: Zhejiang.

[5] Yueming, T., et al., Research progress of nano-pesticides. World pesticide, 2024. 46(03): p. 20-25.

[6] Huiping, C., et al., Research progress of nano-hygienic insecticides Pesticide. World pesticide, 2025: p. 1-8.

[7] Elmer, W. and J.C. White, The Future of Nanotechnology in Plant Pathology. Annual Review of Phytopathology, Vol 56, 2018. 56(1545-2107 (Electronic)): p. 111-133.

[8] Brunel, F., N.E. El Gueddari, and B.M.J.C.p. Moerschbacher, Complexation of copper (II) with chitosan nanogels: toward control of microbial growth. Carbohydr Polym, 2013. 92(2): p. 1348-1356.

[9] Ganlin, Study on the inhibitory effect of nano-silver materials on plant pathogenic bacteria. 2008, University of Agriculture and Forestry in Fujian: Fujian.

[10] Asanithi, P., S. Chaiyakun, and P.J.J.o.N. Limsuwan, Growth of silver nanoparticles by DC magnetron sputtering. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2012. 2012(1): p. 963609.

[11] Ovais, M., et al., Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles via microbial enzymes: a mechanistic approach. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018. 19(12): p. 4100.

[12] Park, H.-Y., et al., Green synthesis of carbon-supported nanoparticle catalysts by physical vapor deposition on soluble powder substrates. Scientific Reports, 2015. 5(1): p. 14245.

[13] Ruihua, D., Study on Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles from Ginkgo biloba Extract and Its Application. 2023, Lanzhou university of technology: Lanzhou.

[14] Tien, D.-C., et al., Discovery of ionic silver in silver nanoparticle suspension fabricated by arc discharge method. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2008. 463(1-2): p. 408-411.

[15] Ledwith, D.M., A.M. Whelan, and J.M.J.J.o.M.C. Kelly, A rapid, straight-forward method for controlling the morphology of stable silver nanoparticles. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2007. 17(23): p. 2459-2464.

[16] Li, X., et al., Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles with high concentration via a CTAB-induced silver mirror reaction. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2012. 400: p. 73-79.

[17] Qingqing, W., et al., Research progress in design and preparation of metal and alloy nano-materials by sol-gel method, Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2019. 35(11): p. 1186-1206.

[18] Yanbin, H., Study on synthesis and application of copper nanosheets at atmospheric pressure, in Beijing University of Chemical Technology 2024, Beijing University of Chemical Technology: Beijing.

[19] Kimta, N., et al., Applications of Pteridophytes in Nanotechnology: a class that has not yet explored to the extent of its potential. Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 2025. 18(1): p. 2460641.

[20] Hano, C. and B.H.J.B. Abbasi, Plant-based green synthesis of nanoparticles: Production, characterization and applications. 2022, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. p. 31.

[21] Narayanan, K.B., N.J.A.i.c. Sakthivel, and i. science, Green synthesis of biogenic metal nanoparticles by terrestrial and aquatic phototrophic and heterotrophic eukaryotes and biocompatible agents. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2011. 169(2): p. 59-79.

[22] Tolaymat, T.M., et al., An evidence-based environmental perspective of manufactured silver nanoparticle in syntheses and applications: a systematic review and critical appraisal of peer-reviewed scientific papers. Science of The Total Environment, 2010. 408(5): p. 999-1006.

[23] Esteban-Tejeda, L., et al., Antibacterial and antifungal activity of a soda-lime glass containing copper nanoparticles. Nanotechnology, 2009. 20(50): p. 505701.

[24] Giannousi, K., et al., Selective synthesis of Cu2O and Cu/Cu2O NPs: antifungal activity to yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and DNA interaction. Inorganic Chemistry, 2014. 53(18): p. 9657-9666.

[25] Sharma, P., et al., Nanomaterial fungicides: in vitro and in vivo antimycotic activity of cobalt and nickel nanoferrites on phytopathogenic fungi. Global Challenges, 2017. 1(9): p. 1700041.

[26] Sherkhane, A., et al., Control of bacterial blight disease of pomegranate using silver nanoparticles. Journal of a Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology, 2018. 9(3): p. 500.

[27] Li, X., et al., Advanced nanopesticides: Advantage and action mechanisms. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2023. 203: p. 108051.

[28] Kah, M., et al., Nanopesticides: state of knowledge, environmental fate, and exposure modeling. Critical Reviews In Environmental Science and Technology,2013. 43(16): p. 1823-1867.

[29] Kah, M. and T.J.E.i. Hofmann, Nanopesticide research: current trends and future priorities. Environment International, 2014. 63: p. 224-235.

[30] Deka, B., et al., Nanopesticides: a systematic review of their prospects with special reference to tea pest management. Front Nutr, 2021. 8: p. 686131.

[31] Das, S., A. Yadav, and N.J.J.o.S.P.R. Debnath, Entomotoxic efficacy of aluminium oxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles against Sitophilus oryzae (L.): A comparative analysis. Journal of Stored Products Research, 2019. 83: p. 92-96.

[32] Acharya, A. and P.K.J.N. Pal, Agriculture nanotechnology: Translating research outcome to field applications by influencing environmental sustainability. Nano Impact, 2020. 19: p. 100232.

[33] Rajput, V.D., et al., Nano-enabled products: challenges and opportunities for sustainable agriculture. Plants, 2021. 10(12): p. 2727.

[34] Singh, R.P., R. Handa, and G.J.J.o.c.r. Manchanda, Nanoparticles in sustainable agriculture: An emerging opportunity. Journal of Controlled Release, 2021. 329: p. 1234-1248.

[35] Ahmad, A., et al., Influence of metallic, metallic oxide, and organic nanoparticles on plant physiology. Chemosphere, 2022. 290: p. 133329.

[36] Rajput, V.D., et al., Effect of nanoparticles on crops and soil microbial communities. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2018. 18: p. 2179-2187.