Agricultural Applications and Potential Risks of Copper-Based Nanoagrochemicals in Crop Cultivation

Nanoagrochemicals have substantial potential to serve as more efficient agrochemicals that are safer for modern agriculture. Copper (Cu)-based nanoparticles are the preferred candidates for designing nanoagrochemicals owing to their excellent antimicrobial activity, rich sources of raw materials, and low production costs. However, the intense research and increasing application of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals have raised concerns over their effects on crop cultivation. This study presents comprehensive information on the antimicrobial mechanisms and biological effects of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals. We summarized the three main antimicrobial mechanisms of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals, including damaging cellular structures, binding to biomolecules that result in the biomolecular loss of function and disrupting cellular homeostasis. The design influences that affect the efficacy of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals, and the possible environmental risks have also been briefly described. In addition, the biological effects of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals and the interactions of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals with microbes and crops are also discussed. Finally, this study highlights the current obstacles to applying Cu-based nanoagrochemicals and provides an outlook for future research. The intent of this study is to provide the current understanding of Cu-based nanoagrochemicals and recommend areas that merit further research.