OICC Press International Nano Letters 2228-5326 12 3 (September 2022) 2022 07 06 Zinc oxide chitosan nano-composite membrane for enhancing transplants production in strawberry nurseries via targeting chitin elicitor receptor kinase 10.1007/s40089-022-00374-0 EN Faten Farouk Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, EG Farida Kabil Vegetable Crops Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, EG Journal Article 2022 07 06 Abstract Nano-chemistry based fertilizers are gaining interest as eco-friendly alternative. Hybrid structures composed of organic and inorganic components are especially important. In this study, synthesis of ZnO-chitosan composite (ZnC) is reported, its interaction with ectodomain of cell surface pattern recognition receptor (PDBID: 4EBZ) and effect on strawberry transplants production were assessed. Various synthesis procedures were compared. FTIR and dispersive ultraviolet scanning were used for testing the complexation between ZnO and the polymeric amino poly-saccharide. The elemental composition of ZnC was quantitatively assessed by EDX. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for morphological assessment. Variable concentrations of ZnC were used for spraying strawberry nurseries. The horticultural outcomes were monitored. The effects were compared in terms of essential elements, chlorophyll and carotene content by flame-photometry, atomic absorption and UV–Vis spectroscopy, respectively. Synthesized ZnC was composed of carbon (41%), nitrogen (10%), oxygen (35%) and zinc (14%). The SEM revealed that ZnO was in the form of a hexagonal nano-disc chelated into the amino poly-saccharide bed as confirmed by FTIR and UV spectroscopy. The synthesized structure was able to interact with the cell surface chitin elicitor receptor kinase due to its structural similarity with chitin. Bi-weekly spraying of strawberry nursery resulted in a significant increase in the number of runners and subcrowns. In conclusion, the developed ZnC can be used for increasing the production of strawberry nurseries. The developed composite is a promising fertilizer. It may support increasing the fruit production to meet the world increasing food demand and meet the sustainable development goals. Graphical abstract