Stimuli-Free Transcuticular Delivery of Zn Microelement Using Biopolymeric Nanovehicles: Experimental, Theoretical, and In Planta Studies

Abstract

This paper reports one-step synthesis of polysaccharide-based nanovehicles, capable of transporting ionic zinc via plant cuticle without auxiliary stimulation. Delivery of highly hydrophilic nutritive microelements via the hydrophobic cuticle of plant foliage is one of the major challenges in modern agriculture. In traditional nutrition via roots, up to 80% of microelements permeate to soil and get wasted; therefore, foliar treatment is an environmentally and economically preferable alternative. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was modified to amphiphilic N -octylamide-derivative (CMC-8), which spontaneously self-assemble to nanovehicles. It was found that hydrophobic substituents endow a biopolymer with unexpected affinity toward a hydrophilic payload. CMC-8 nanovehicles effectively encapsulated ionic zinc (ZnSO 4 ) and delivered it upon foliar application to pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) and tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) plants. Zinc uptake and translocation in plants were monitored by SEM-EDS and fluorescence microscopic methods. In planta monitoring of the carrier was done by labeling nanovehicles with fluorescent carbon dots. Three-dimensional (3-D) structural modeling and conformational dynamics explained the CMC-8 self-assembly mechanism and zinc coordination phenomenon upon introduction of hydrophobic substituents.

Morphology‐Tailored Hydroxyapatite Nanocarrier for Rhizosphere‐Targeted Phosphorus Delivery

“…More importantly, avoiding fixation of candidate substrates by soil prior to a well‐developed root system remains to be overcome. [ 11 ] Thus, constructing a versatile substrate material on which the embodied P can be stably transported to rhizosphere for plant uptake is yet a challenge.…”

Nano and Plants

“…Though still in its infancy, nanotechnology has been explored to convert plants into functional devices, − to augment the natural proficiencies of plants, , and, more importantly, to protect plants. , Sensors integrated with plants (“wearable sensors for plants”) have been developed to read endogenous chemical and electrical signals, ,− which can be exploited for direct communication with plants. Functionalized nanomaterials can deliver micronutrients, − antioxidants, molecular sensors, , and genetic materials , into targeted locations within plants to increase plant resilience and productivity and to track the physiological states of the plant. All of these efforts provide a productive path for developing nanoenabled plants to produce more resources with lowered consumption.…”

“…Nanomaterials can also work as targeted micronutrition amendments for plants (such as Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and CuO nanosheets, ZnO nanoparticles, Zn-biopolymer nanovehicles, etc . ). ,, The unique properties of morphology, composition, and sustained dissolution of nanomaterials can increase the efficiency of nutrient delivery, potentially overcoming the huge waste issue of traditionally applied fertilizers. Nanomaterial-mediated delivery of DNA or RNA strands based on clay nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, , and gold nanoparticles can produce genetic effects in plants such as gene silencing and protein expression.…”

Solvent-free synthesis of polysaccharide derivatives via heterogeneous Schiff base chemistry

“…When selfassembly process takes place, the GPC data cannot be seen as absolute values but as a clear indication of successful modification. 22 All CMCS derivatives showed excellent film-forming abilities. The films were tested for their physical and mechanical properties and compared to pristine CMCS (Table 1).…”

“…When self-assembly process takes place, the GPC data cannot be seen as absolute values but as a clear indication of successful modification. 22…”