LECTIN NANOPARTICLES IN FOCUS: FROM FUNDAMENTALS TO FUTURE NANOTECHNOLOGIES-A REVIEW

Nanotechnology, operating at the scale of 1–100 nanometers, is an interdisciplinary field driving innovations across medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and food technology. By enabling control at the atomic and molecular levels, it facilitates the development of novel materials and devices with enhanced properties. In agriculture, nanomaterials improve nutrient efficiency, pest control, and crop monitoring. In the food industry, they enhance shelf life, safety, and nutritional delivery. In medicine, nanotechnology has advanced applications in diagnostics, targeted drug delivery, and cancer therapies. A notable development is the use of lectin-functionalized nanoparticles, which leverage specific carbohydrate-binding properties for precise drug targeting and disease detection. Despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding environmental impact, nanoparticle toxicity, and insufficient regulation. The production of nanomaterials often involves energy-intensive and chemically hazardous processes, and their long-term effects on health and ecosystems are still unclear. This review highlights the classification, origin, and applications of nanomaterials, with emphasis on the emerging role of lectin-functionalized nanoparticles in targeted therapeutics. It underscores the importance of advancing nanotechnology responsibly, promoting innovation to ensure sustainable development.