Nanoparticles are of special interest because of their markedly different physico-chemical properties than their bulk counterparts. This review covers the use of these novel agents to combat real life agricultural and medical issues important to Indian subcontinent. Nanoparticles of oxides like SiO(2) produced and characterized in our laboratory were tested against insect pests and pathogens. Nanosilica against insect pests shows nearly 100% mortality. Survivability of grasserie afflicted silkworm increased from 0% to 30% with hydrophobic nano-aluminosilicate. Treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis with nanosilver and trypanosome infected mice with Dsethvasan showed significant protection. Sporulation and growth of fungi were inhibited by nanosulfur. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.