Effects of Surface Charge on the Fate and Phytotoxicity of Gold Nanoparticles to Phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract

Rapid advancement of nanotechnology has caused serious concerns over the potential release and accumulation of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the environment. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in particular, has attracted significant attention due to their broad applications. However, most previous toxicity studies have been heavily focused on animal and human cell lines, with limited information available for the AuNPs plant interactions. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of surface charge on the phytotoxicity and plant uptake of AuNPs by Phaseolus vulgaris (bush bean), an important food crop. The results showed that 5 mg/L of AuNPs exerted inconsequential impact on the physiological processes of plants, regardless of the surface property. However, AuNPs displayed significant surface charge-dependent effects on important biochemical parameters such as the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in plant roots and the activities of several enzymatic antioxidants. Deposition of AuNPs on plant root surface was observed for all types of AuNPs. However, surface charge affected the internalization of AuNPs in plant root cells and their subcellular localization. Overall, the study revealed that the physical and chemical properties AuNPs play important roles in their interactions with agricultural crops and consideration of the unique properties of nanoparticles is important in assessing their food safety concerns.

Zein Nanoparticles Uptake by Hydroponically Grown Soybean Plants

“…The study showed that more cationic gold NPs concentrated in the plant roots, whereas higher accumulation was detected for anionic gold NPs in the shoots, particularly in ryegrass and rice . Several studies has shown similar trends for charged surface on NPs. − 4. Soil conditions dictate absorption and translocation of ENPs in plants.…”

Prediction of Plant Uptake and Translocation of Engineered Metallic Nanoparticles by Machine Learning

“…Plant classification at the level of subclass, ENP exposure time (only for RCF values), and three predominant physicochemical properties of ENPs (composition, size, and surface charge) were used as input variables in the hydroponic system. They were chosen because experimental studies suggested that they are all important factors affecting plant ENP uptake and translocation. − Soil organic matter (SOM) and clay content were included as additional input variables in the soil system because they have been shown to affect the accumulation of ENPs in plants. − The numerical input and output parameters and the ranges of these parameters are summarized in Table .…”

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using microorganisms and their application in the agrifood sector

“…However, some MtNPs have a positive effect on the plant system and can improve seed germination and stimulate growth parameters, though these effects can differ between different plants [ 178 ]. Several studies have also reported significant phytotoxicity of a group of MtNPs such as AgNPs, AuNPs, and CuONPs to certain plant species by inhibiting germination and root growth [ 173 , 179 , 180 ]. Different MtNPs have been assessed for plant toxicity based on their uptake, deposition and accumulation in plant cells or organs [ 25 ].…”