Nanoparticle–Plant Interactions: Two‐Way Traffic

Abstract

In this Review, an effort is made to discuss the most recent progress and future trend in the two‐way traffic of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles (NPs). One way is the use of plants to synthesize NPs in an environmentally benign manner with a focus on the mechanism and optimization of the synthesis. Another way is the effects of synthetic NPs on plant fate with a focus on the transport mechanisms of NPs within plants as well as NP‐mediated seed germination and plant development. When NPs are in soil, they can be adsorbed at the root surface, followed by their uptake and inter/intracellular movement in the plant tissues. NPs may also be taken up by foliage under aerial deposition, largely through stomata, trichomes, and cuticles, but the exact mode of NP entry into plants is not well documented. The NP–plant interactions may lead to inhibitory or stimulatory effects on seed germination and plant development, depending on NP compositions, concentrations, and plant species. In numerous cases, radiation‐absorbing efficiency, CO2 assimilation capacity, and delay of chloroplast aging have been reported in the plant response to NP treatments, although the mechanisms involved in these processes remain to be studied.

Uptake, Translocation, and Consequences of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth and Stress Adaptation

“…The NPs enter the plant system by several routes, mainly through roots and leaves. NPs interact with plants at cellular and subcellular levels after entry, promoting changes in morphological and physiological states [63]. These interactions may be positive or negative, depending on the nature of the NPs and the plant species.…”

To-Do and Not-To-Do in Model Studies of the Uptake, Fate and Metabolism of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles in Plants

“…This interaction may lead to some impact on plant physiological processes and eventually to the bioaccumulation of NPs, and products of their metabolism, in the animal and human food chain. In the last years, the number of model studies focused on the investigation of interactions between plant and engineered nanoparticles, especially metal-containing ones, has increased [2][3][4]. For example, the bioaccumulation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al 2 O 3 NPs) in roots of Lactuca sativa L. followed by their translocation to shoots has been demonstrated [5,6].…”

“…After uptake and accumulation, metal-containing NPs can interact with plants at the cellular and subcellular levels, facilitating changes to morphological and physiological states, which may be suppressive or stimulatory [2]. For instance, Ag NPs caused oxidative stress and exhibited toxicity when applied in higher concentrations to Allium cepa roots, regardless of surface coating used [16].…”

Endophytic Nanotechnology: An Approach to Study Scope and Potential Applications

“…According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) United States, Nanotechnology is defined as a field of science, engineering, and technology where materials are practicised at the nanoscale size (1–100 nm), using unique phenomena in a wide range of biology, physics, chemistry, medicine, electronics and engineering fields ( Chen et al, 2007 ; Lu et al, 2012 ; Kumari et al, 2018a ; Kumari et al, 2018b ). The most important properties of these nanoparticles (NPs) are their size which can manipulate the physiochemical and optical properties of a particular substance ( Meena et al, 2015 ; Khan M. R. et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) due to their various properties are being used in the fields of biotechnology and agriculture ( Pérez-de-Luque, 2017 ). Different factors such as the nature of the NPs, plant physiology and interaction of the NPs govern the uptake of NPs by the plants ( Khan M. R. et al, 2019 ; Figure 7A-C ). Chemical entities, stability, and functionalization of NPs influence the uptake, translocation, and accumulation; properties are also found to be variably affected by plant type, species, and site facilitating internalization of NPs ( Santana et al, 2020 ).…”