Uptake kinetics and delivery mechanisms of nanoparticles
(NPs)
in crop plants need to be urgently understood for the application
of nanotechnology in agriculture as delivery systems for eco-friendly
nanoagrochemicals. Here, we investigated the uptake kinetics, translocation
pathway, and key internalization process of graphene in wheat (Triticum aestivum
L.) by applying
three specific hydroponic cultivation methods (submerging, hanging,
and split-root). Quantification results on the uptake of carbon-14
radiolabeled graphene in each tissue indicated that graphene could
enter the root of wheat and further translocate to the shoot with
a low delivery rate (<2%). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
images showed that internalized graphene was transported to adjacent
cells through the plasmodesmata, clearly indicating the symplastic
pathway of graphene translocation. The key site for the introduction
of graphene into root cells for translocation through the symplastic
pathway is evidenced to be the apex of growing root hair, where the
newly constructed primary cell wall is much thinner. The confirmation
of uptake kinetics and delivery mechanisms is useful for the development
of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture, especially for graphene
serving as the delivery vector for pesticides, genes, and sensors.
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