Recent Developments in Synthesis of Nanomaterial for Agriculture: The Role of Supercritical Fluid Technology

Fungal diseases, such as Ganoderma boninense, pose significant economic threats to oil palm plantations. Conventional fungicides, including synthetic and biofungicides, have been employed to manage these diseases, but they come with limitations such as environmental impact and limited efficacy. Other than that, weed infestation is another serious challenge in agricultural systems such as oil palm plantations. Synthetic herbicides and bioherbicides have been widely use to mitigate this problem but herbicides still have limitation in terms of health concerns. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced nano-enabled crop protection most notably nanofungicides and nanoherbicides as promising alternatives, offering improved penetration and delivery of active ingredients. However, challenges such as non-uniform size distribution and polydispersity hinder their effectiveness. This review explores the potential of supercritical fluid technology (SFT) to overcome these limitations, providing a green and sustainable approach to nanoparticle production. SFT offers distinct advantages, including moderate operating temperatures and non-toxic solvents, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The unique properties of SFT-produced nanomaterials, particularly their high surface area-to-volume ratio, demonstrate significant potential for membrane technology applications beyond agricultural contexts. Future perspectives highlight the need for further research to optimize SFT processes for agricultural applications, aiming to enhance the scalability and cost-effectiveness of nanofungicide and nanoherbicide production. The integration of SFT in agriculture could revolutionize plant disease and weed management, contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.