Sustainable Nanotechnology: Use of Selenium and Silver-Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized by Photoreduction with Banana Peel for Controlling Panama Disease in Banana Plants

• Grant number: 25/03970-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Lilia Coronato Courrol
• Grantee: Thais Kaori Roquini Tanaka
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14030-8 - Study of the impact of metallic nanoparticles produced with organic waste, methyl aminolevulinate and gamma-aminobutyric acid in green nanopriming, AP.R

Abstract

Introduction: Currently, Panama disease, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), represents one of the main threats to global banana production, with significant impacts on the Cavendish variety, which dominates the international market. Historically, this pathogen was responsible for the near extinction of the Gros Michel variety in the 20th century, highlighting its devastating potential for fruit cultivation. Controlling this pathogen has proven to be highly challenging, primarily due to its ability to persist in the soil for long periods and the lack of adequate and sustainable treatments. In this context, metallic nanoparticles, such as those of selenium (Se) and Silver-copper (AgCu), emerge as a promising alternative due to their proven antimicrobial potential against fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the green synthesis of nanoparticles, which uses agricultural waste like banana peels, presents itself as an innovative, ecologically sustainable, and economically viable strategy.Objectives: To synthesize selenium and Silver-copper nanoparticles by photoreduction, using banana peel extracts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. To analyze the physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles, including size, shape, crystallinity, and composition, using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). To test the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in controlling Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Identify the nanoparticles (Se or AgCu) with the highest antifungal efficacy and lowest phytotoxicity. Evaluate the toxicity of the nanoparticles to the environment, soil microorganisms and plants, guaranteeing the safety of agricultural use. Expected results: From the results, it is hoped to develop a sustainable method for synthesizing nanoparticles using banana peel, identify nanoparticles that effectively control Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense and demonstrate the environmental and agricultural safety of nanoparticles, which significantly reduce the incidence of Panama disease. Impact: This study aims to provide an innovative and sustainable solution for managing Panama disease, minimizing reliance on synthetic chemical fungicides, and promoting the use of agricultural waste, such as banana peels, to produce functional nanomaterials. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact associated with conventional chemical synthesis methods but also adds value to by-products of the banana production chain, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Thus, exploring these technologies could significantly advance the sustainable management of Panama disease and the protection of global banana cultivation.