Nanopesticides, a real breakthrough for agriculture?

Abstract

The expansion of agriculture in the world has provoked, amongst others, the increase in the use of chemical substances for plague control. Scientific advances have shown that nanomaterials have innovative properties that can be used in the development of a new generation of substances that have been called nanopesticides. Through processes of nanoemulsion preparation, polymer addition to create nanocapsules, or the simple use of metallic nanostructures, the efficiency in the application and biological efficacy of chemical methods for plague control, in comparison to conventional ones, has been improved. By performing an analysis of the possible applications and use advantages, and the possible risks to health and the environment, it is concluded that doubt and existing limitations in current knowledge on the exposure and effects in organisms, including the human being, are wide.