Combat phytopathogenic bacteria employing Argirium-SUNCs: limits and perspectives

Bacterial plant diseases are difficult to control as the durability of deployed control measures is thwarted by continuous and rapid changing of bacterial populations. Although application of copper compounds to plants is the most widespread and inexpensive control measure, it is often partially efficacious for the frequent appearance of copper-resistant bacterial strains and it is raising concerns for the harmful effects of copper on environment and human health. Consequently, European Community included copper compounds in the list of substances candidates for substitution. Nanotechnologies and the application of nanoparticles seem to respond to the need to find new very effective and durable measures. We believe that Argirium-SUNCs®, silver ultra nanoclusters with an average size of 1.79 nm and characterized by rare oxidative states (Ag2+/3+), represent a valid candidate as a nano-bactericide in the control of plant bacterial diseases. Respect to the many silver nanoparticles described in the literature, Argirium-SUNCs have many strengths due to the reproducibility of the synthesis method, the purity and the stability of the preparation, the very strong (less than 1 ppm) antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. In this mini-review, we provide information on this nanomaterial and on the possible application in agriculture.