Plant and human health: the new era of biobased nanoscale systems

In the field of nanotechnology applications in agriculture, novel nano-agrochemicals are developed fastly. Nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides could provide a targeted/controlled release of agrochemicals and allow a fuller biological efficacy without over-dosage. In parallel, new environmental and human health hazards may emerge from their applications. Thus, a critical evaluation of nano-agrochemicals against conventional analogues is essential to discriminate between benefits and risks. In order to improve knowledge about nano-agrochemicals toxicity and possible health and environmental risks, nanomaterial biosafety, adverse effects, fate, and acquired biological reactivity after dispersing into the environment require an in-depth scientific evaluation. In this context, bio-based nanomaterials generally assumed as nontoxic, like natural polymers, chemical-synthetized or microorganisms-derived bio-based polymers, are receiving considerable attention. Interestingly, bio-based nanomaterials become part of the bio-based and circular economy that utilize bio-wastes as a resource, thus ensuring the responsible and sustainable utilization of bio-resources with low environmental and human health impact. Considering the very important field of application of the bio-based nano-agrochemicals, it is fundamental the knowledge of potential advantages as well as the adverse biological impact on the environment and humans. Here, we provide a brief review of bio-based nano-agrochemicals highlighting the benefits and the risks of their use for human and the environmental health.