Nanoparticles synthesized by biophysical methods and modeling their use against plant pathogens

Abstract

Background and Aim. Nanomaterials represent a powerful approach for enhancing plant resistance and combating diseases in the modern agricultural revolution. Addressing food supply problems incorporating modern methods requires increased efficiency and a deeper understanding of their impact on the human body and the environment. In this context, nanoparticles synthesized via biophysical methods warrant investigation as environmentally sustainable alternatives for controlling phytopathogens. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the biological activity of metals and metal oxide nanoparticles against
phytopathogens and mathematical modeling of their action.
Materials and methods. The study investigates the biological activity of nanoparticles based on silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO), synthesized by biophysical methods (laser ablation and ultrasonic cavitation) against plant pathogens. The morphology, average size and ζ-potential of nanoparticles were determined, and their effectiveness against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria in laboratory conditions were characterized. The results demonstrate that nanoparticles have the ability to significantly inhibit the growth of pathogens and may serve as environmentally friendly plant protection products. The dependence of the level of inhibition on concentration was described using an exponential model.
Results. The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was in the range of 18-32 nm, the ζ-potential showed values of –27…–32 mV, which proves their colloidal stability. The greatest antimicrobial effect was observed for silver nanoparticles: F. oxysporum - 82%, A. solani - 79%, X. campestris - 88%. The level of inhibition was found to depend on particle size and specific surface area. The mathematical model showed high agreement with the experimental data (R²≈0.91–0.95) and proved that the concentration reaches the saturation zone in the range of 50-100 mg/l.
Conclusion. Nanoparticles of metals and metal oxides synthesized by biophysical methods have shown high efficiency against phytopathogens. The proposed exponential model describes the quantitative relationship between the concentration of nanoparticles and the biological effect and allows us to predict the optimal dose of plant protection drugs. The results obtained lay the scientific basis for the use of nanoparticles as environmentally friendly plant protection products.