Siderophores are a class of small molecules renowned for their high iron binding capacity, essential for all life forms requiring iron. This article provides a detailed review of the diverse classifications, and biosynthetic pathways of siderophores, with a particular emphasis on siderophores synthesized via nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) and non-NRPS pathways. We further explore the secretion mechanisms of siderophores in microbes and plants, and their role in regulating bioavailable iron levels. Beyond biological functions, the applications of siderophores in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences are extensively discussed. These applications include biological pest control, disease treatment, ecological pollution remediation, and heavy metal ion removal. Through a comprehensive analysis of the chemical properties and biological activities of siderophores, this paper demonstrates their wide prospects in scientific research and practical applications, while also highlighting current research gaps and potential future directions.

Edible powders are important food ingredients, and their quality strongly affects processability, stability, and nutrient delivery. Compared with conventional grinding, superfine grinding enables particle-size reduction to the micron or submicron scale and has shown considerable potential for improving the physicochemical and functional properties of food powders. This review summarizes five representative superfine grinding technologies and discusses how different mechanical force fields regulate powder quality through changes in particle size, specific surface area, cell-wall integrity, and macromolecular structure. Current evidence indicates that superfine grinding can improve hydration behavior, dissolution, the release of bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility, but these effects are highly dependent on raw-material characteristics and processing conditions. At the same time, excessive micronization may induce particle agglomeration, thermal degradation of sensitive components, sensory deterioration, high energy consumption, and potential safety concerns related to ultrafine particles. Therefore, the performance of a single grinding technology is often constrained by intrinsic physicochemical and engineering limitations. Recent studies suggest that combining superfine grinding with pretreatment, interfacial stabilization, or encapsulation strategies can improve powder stability and functionality more effectively than grinding alone. Future research should focus on standardized evaluation systems, mechanistic clarification across food matrices, and integrated process design for industrial application.

Metallic nano-pesticides have emerged as a promising technology in modern agriculture, offering improved efficacy, reduced environmental impact, and potential applications in precision agriculture. This review provides a comprehensive overview of metallic nano-pesticides, covering their synthesis methods, mechanisms of action, applications in pest and disease control, and ecological safety concerns. The synthesis section explores physical, chemical, and biological approaches, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. The antimicrobial effects of metallic nanoparticles are analyzed in terms of their interaction with microbial membranes, ion release, and photocatalytic activity. Their applications as fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides are discussed, emphasizing their role in combating pesticide resistance and enhancing agricultural productivity. However, concerns regarding their environmental fate, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity to soil microbiota and plants are critically examined. Finally, future perspectives on integrating nano-pesticides with smart agricultural technologies, risk assessment frameworks, and sustainable synthesis strategies are discussed, underscoring their potential to drive the transition toward eco-friendly and high-efficiency agricultural systems.