Endophytic nanotechnology as a dual-action approach against agricultural and clinical fungal pathogens
摘要
Fungal infections are rapidly emerging as a serious global concern, impacting both the agriculture and healthcare sectors. While fungi play essential roles in geochemical cycles, certain species have become significant threats to human health and agricultural productivity. The rise of resistant and opportunistic fungal pathogens has led to increased mortality rates in humans and severe crop losses. It draws scientific attention to the urgent need for sustainable alternatives of antifungals. The growing resistance in fungal strains has further intensified the innovation in antifungal strategies. Existing antifungal agents are limited in scope and efficacy, particularly against resistant strains. In this context, endophytic nanotechnology offers a promising solution. Endophyte derived nanoparticles present a sustainable, eco-friendly, and effective strategy to combat fungal infections. This review comprehensively discusses the role of endophyte derived nanoparticles in addressing fungal diseases in both agriculture and healthcare. It also highlights the biosynthesis mechanisms, modes of antifungal action, and key studies demonstrating the efficacy of endophyte-mediated nanoparticles. This emerging technology provides a valuable foundation for the development of next-generation antifungal agents with enhanced specificity, reduced toxicity, and minimal environmental impact. By integrating microbiology, nanoscience, and biotechnology, endophytic nanotechnology emerges as a dual-action, eco-friendly, and effective strategy for managing fungal infections across agricultural and clinical domains.