Metabolomics-guided sustainable enhancement of disease-susceptible rice using Fe3O4 nanoparticles: From molecular mechanisms to cleaner production

Conventional rice production through excessive chemical inputs violates cleaner production principles, with disease-susceptible varieties requiring 40% more agrochemicals while experiencing 10-30% yield losses. This study investigates Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles as a potential cleaner production technology for sustainable rice enhancement through precision metabolic intervention. Applying 0.5 mg/L magnetite nanoparticles (5 nm) to rice achieved remarkable growth promotion: 193.44% shoot height enhancement and 74% root elongation using 50% less iron than conventional FeCl 3 , representing substantial improvements in nutrient utilization efficiency compared to traditional fertilizers. Metabolomics analysis (2085 metabolites) revealed mechanisms enabling this efficiency transformation: biphasic metabolic reprogramming from anabolic activation (0-48h) to defense priming (48-72h) avoided growth-defense trade-offs, while coordinated hormone regulation maximized resource utilization. The narrow optimal concentration (0.5 mg/L) demonstrates precision delivery advantages, eliminating wasteful over-application common in conventional approaches. Twenty metabolic pathways showed coordinated reorganization, enabling multifunctional benefits from single intervention. Unlike conventional fertilizers causing nutrient runoff and soil degradation, nanoparticles provide controlled release with potential for reduced environmental contamination. These findings establish nanotechnology-enabled approaches as potentially viable for sustainable rice production, offering pathways to while enhancing productivity. The demonstrated 50% reduction in iron requirements combined with growth enhancement provides molecular foundations for future assessment of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles in sustainable rice production systems, directly supporting efforts toward responsible agricultural production and food security.