From fibers to fields: electrospun nanofiber carriers at the soil-microbiome interface.

Sustainable agriculture requires innovative technologies that improve crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Electrospun nanofibers (ESN) have emerged as promising materials due to their high surface area, tunable structure, and ability to incorporate and release bioactive compounds in a controlled manner. This review examines ESN as an integrative approach for delivering bioactive substances and beneficial microorganisms directly to soil and plants. Recent advances in the production, evaluation, and agricultural applications of ESNs are discussed, with particular attention given to the use of biodegradable polymers and the integration of live microorganisms into nanofibrous matrices. Beyond their role as delivery platforms, ESN may interact with soil microbial communities through their surface properties, degradation behavior, and effects on local resource availability. However, direct evidence linking ESN application to changes in soil microbiome structure and function remains limited. Nevertheless, critical limitations-such as scalability, high production costs, sterility challenges, and potential ecological risks-must be addressed. A thorough understanding of ESN-microbiome-soil dynamics, supported by standardized characterization, long-term field studies, and molecular tools, is crucial for their safe and effective deployment in sustainable agriculture.