Exploring a hexagonal boron nitride nanocomposite with phytofabricated TiO2 for its potential antimicrobial application against agricultural crop pathogens

Abstract

Advances in 2-dimensional nanomaterials have driven the attention of researchers toward hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) for its applications like drug delivery and cosmetics. This work attempts to explore its application in agriculture for disease management in crops. In this regard, 2D-hBN nanosheets were exfoliated using the hydrothermal method, and a nanocomposite was prepared by incorporating phytofabricated TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance antibacterial properties and analyze synergistic effects against phytopathogens. The prepared samples were characterized using UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TiO₂ NPs synthesized using Azadirachta indica extract exhibited spherical NPs of ∼22 nm, while 2D-hBN formed ultrathin nanosheets. The antimicrobial activities of the prepared nanomaterials were evaluated against crop pathogens—Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), Bacillus subtilis (BS), Pseudomonas fluorescens (PSFL), Fusarium graminearum, and Phytophthora spp. The outcomes of this study reveal that the synergistic effects of 2D-hBN and TiO₂ NPs are more stronger, persistent, and long lasting than those of individual nanomaterials against plant pathogens for their potential application in the management of bacterial and fungal diseases during crop cultivation in agriculture.