Application of plant tissue cultures in phytoremediation research: Incentives and limitations

Abstract

The aim of this review is to critically assess the benefits and limitations associated with the use of in vitro plant cell and organ cultures as research tools in phytoremediation studies. Plant tissue cultures such as callus, cell suspensions, and hairy roots are applied frequently in phytoremediation research as model plant systems. In vitro cultures offer a range of experimental advantages in studies aimed at examining the intrinsic metabolic capabilities of plant cells and their capacity for toxicity tolerance. The ability to identify the contributions of plant cells to pollutant uptake and detoxification without interference from microorganisms is of particular significance in the search for fundamental knowledge about plants. However, if the ultimate goal of plant tissue culture experiments is the development of practical phytoremediation technology, the limitations inherent in the use of in vitro cultures as a representative of whole plants in the field must be recognized. The bioavailability of contaminants and the processes of pollutant uptake and metabolite distribution are likely to be substantially different in the two systems; this can lead to qualitative as well as quantitative differences in metabolic profiles and tolerance characteristics. Yet, many studies have demonstrated that plant tissue cultures are an extremely valuable tool in phytoremediation research. The results derived from tissue cultures can be used to predict the responses of plants to environmental contaminants, and to improve the design and thus reduce the cost of subsequent conventional whole plant experiments.

In vitro multiplication of Dianthus carthusianorum calamine ecotype with the aim to revegetate and stabilize polluted wastes

“…The development of effective micropropagation protocol is particularly valuable in the case of this unique flora whose representatives are described in varied ecological niches. A good example of this kind of scientific activity is multiplication of metal-tolerant species which grow on terrains with high metallic background (Doran 2009;Cristea et al 2013;Jarda et al 2014;Slazak et al 2015), as the efficient regeneration protocol of Thlaspi caerulescensperhaps the most famous hyperaccumulator of zinc and cadmium or Pteris vittata-fern conducting phytovolatilization of arsenic (Zheng et al 2008;Shukla and Khare 2014). Nevertheless, the investigations with the use of in vitro techniques for metallophyte propagation are still limited in comparison with well elaborated plant tissue culture protocols of numerous cultivated species (Bidwell et al 2001;Jack et al 2005;Hanus-Fajerska et al 2009, 2012Zhao et al 2009;Wiszniewska et al 2015).…”

Biotechnological advances in bioremediation of heavy metals contaminated ecosystems: an overview with special reference to phytoremediation

“…The results derived from tissue cultures are being used to predict the responses of plants to environmental contaminants. Thus, the cost of subsequent conventional whole plant experiments has reduced (Doran 2009). …”

IN VITRO PHYTOREMEDIATION OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS BY Helianthus annuus L. PLANTS

“…In vitro cultures can be used to investigate the plants response to pollutants concerning the action of specific enzymes, organic compounds, transporters, or peptides. 7,8 Helianthus annuus L. also known as sunflower is a plant species of Asteracae family which have been largely used to human and animal nutrition for over 1000 years. The sunflower oil is extracted from seeds and is mainly composed of esterified fatty acids.…”