Distribution of different surface modified carbon dots in pumpkin seedlings

Abstract

The distribution of surface modified carbon dots (CDs) in the pumpkin seedlings was studied by visualization techniques and their potential phytotoxicity was investigated at both the physiological and biochemical levels. The average size of carbon dots was approximately 4 nm. The fluorescent peaks of bared CDs, CD-PEI and CD-PAA were between 420 nm and 500 nm, indicating CDs could emit blue and green fluorescence. Fluorescent images showed that all three types of CDs could accumulate in the pumpkin roots and translocate to the shoots, although the distribution pattern of each CDs was obviously different. At the biochemical level, the elevated antioxidant enzymes in pumpkin roots suggest that all the CDs could potentially trigger the antioxidant defense systems in pumpkin seedlings. Additionally, such alteration was greater in the roots than in the shoots. Our study represents a new perspective on CD visualization in plant tissues and provide useful information for the potential toxicity of different types of CDs to terrestrial plants, which is of importance to agricultural application.

Dual Effect of Nanomaterials on Germination and Seedling Growth: Stimulation vs. Phytotoxicity

“…In another study, V. radiata sprouts were cultivated in the presence of N-doped C-dots (N-CDs) and a significant enhancement in the sprouts’ yield was observed compared to the aqueous control [ 81 ], indicating the effectiveness of N-CDs as a nitrogen nanofertilizer. Qian et al [ 82 ] compared the in planta distribution and the effects of three types of CDs (bared CDs, CD-PEI (modified by polyethylenimine), and CD-PAA (modified by polyacrylic acid)] on growth of C. pepo seedlings. It was found that all three types of CDs triggered the antioxidant defense systems (SOD, POD, CAT) [ 82 ].…”

“…Qian et al [ 82 ] compared the in planta distribution and the effects of three types of CDs (bared CDs, CD-PEI (modified by polyethylenimine), and CD-PAA (modified by polyacrylic acid)] on growth of C. pepo seedlings. It was found that all three types of CDs triggered the antioxidant defense systems (SOD, POD, CAT) [ 82 ]. The available literature has recently been reviewed by [ 83 ].…”

A review on the effects of carbon dots in plant systems

“…A similar upward transport of CDs from the root of mung beans to the stem and leaves was reported by Kang et al 26,36 It should be noted that the distribution pattern of CDs in plants depends on their surface modification. 38…”

Influence of Carbon Quantum Dots on the Biome

“…It is of particular interest to note that CQDs, as a consequence of their innately high hydrophilicity and high cell permeability, have frequently come to be used in water-based and biologically relevant applications [12,19].…”