Photosynthesis and crop productivity are enhanced by glucose‐functionalised carbon dots

Abstract

From global food security to textile production and biofuels, the demands currently made on plant photosynthetic productivity will continue to increase. Enhancing photosynthesis using designer, green and sustainable materials offers an attractive alternative to current genetic-based strategies and promising work with nanomaterials has recently started to emerge. Here we describe the in planta use of carbon-based nanoparticles produced by low-cost renewable routes that are bioavailable to mature plants. Uptake of these functionalised nanoparticles directly from the soil improves photosynthesis and also increases crop production. We show for the first time that glucose functionalisation enhances nanoparticle uptake, photoprotection and pigment production, unlocking enhanced yields. This was demonstrated in Triticum aestivum 'Apogee' (dwarf bread wheat) and resulted in an 18% increase in grain yield. This establishes the viability of a functional nanomaterial to augment photosynthesis as a route to increased crop productivity. Materials and Methods Statistics and significance Data were initially analysed for significance using analysis of variance (ANOVAs) and P-values were calculated using the

Fluorescent nanoparticles as tools in ecology and physiology

“…A similar study revealed systematic translocation of uncoated CQDs throughout maize plants as well as their excretion from leaves (Chen et al ., 2016 a ). Recently, amine‐coated CQDs without functionalisation and with glucose conjugation were shown to be taken up by wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) (Swift et al ., 2021). The glucose‐bound CQDs improved crop yield and photosynthesis rate, while the unfunctionalised CQDs did not differ from controls.…”

Small variations in reaction conditions tune carbon dot fluorescence

“…[3][4][5] Among the different types of luminescent nanodots, fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have recently been described as a new class of carbon-based fluorescent nanomaterials with semi-spherical morphology, and unique optical and physico-chemical properties. [6][7][8][9] Due to their tuneable photoluminescence, chemical inertness, high water solubility, low cost of fabrication and very low cytotoxicity, [10][11][12] these materials have found applications in many research areas such as gene delivery, 10,13,14 cell imaging, 12 metal sensing, 11,15 photo-catalysis, 16 photosynthesis augmentation 17 and photovoltaics. 18,19 CDs have been produced from a range of organic starting materials including carbohydrates, 8,20 amino acids [21][22][23] and other small molecules 24 using an array of methods such as thermal decomposition, chemical oxidation and hydrothermal oxidation under autoclave and microwave-assisted conditions.…”

“…3–5 Among the different types of luminescent nanodots, fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have recently been described as a new class of carbon-based fluorescent nanomaterials with semi-spherical morphology, and unique optical and physico-chemical properties. 6–9 Due to their tuneable photoluminescence, chemical inertness, high water solubility, low cost of fabrication and very low cytotoxicity, 10–12 these materials have found applications in many research areas such as gene delivery, 10,13,14 cell imaging, 12 metal sensing, 11,15 photo-catalysis, 16 photosynthesis augmentation 17 and photovoltaics. 18,19…”

Measuring the refractive index and sub-nanometre surface functionalisation of nanoparticles in suspension

“…[10][11][12][13] Recent interest has focused on their application as a platform for gene delivery, 14,15 cell imaging, 16 and diagnosis through fluorescence. 17,18 These materials have also found applications in metal sensing, 19 photo-catalysis, 20 photosynthesis augmentation, 21 and photovoltaics. 22 Many of these potential uses, especially those in biological applications, involve transporting payloads of molecules bound to the outer layer of the nanoparticle in a process known as surface functionalisation.…”

“…10–13 Recent interest has focused on their application as a platform for gene delivery, 14,15 cell imaging, 16 and diagnosis through fluorescence. 17,18 These materials have also found applications in metal sensing, 19 photo-catalysis, 20 photosynthesis augmentation, 21 and photovoltaics. 22…”