Fabricated Nanoparticles: Current Status and Potential Phytotoxic Threats

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers unique attributes to various industrial and consumer sectors, and has become a topic of high interest to scientific communities across the world. Our society has greatly benefitted from nanotechnology already, in that many products with novel properties and wide applicability have been developed and commercialized. However, the increased production and use of nanomaterials have raised concerns about the environmental fate and toxicological implications of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Research has revealed that various nanomaterials may be hazardous to living organisms. Among biota, plants are widely exposed to released nanomaterials and are sensitive to their effects. The accumulation of nannmaterials in the environment is a potential threat, not only because of potential damage to plants hut also because nanoparticles may enter the food chain. Although the literature that addresses the safety of nanoproducts is growing, little is known about the mechanisms by which these materials produce toxicity on natural species, including humans. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relevant to what phytotoxic impact fabricated nanoparticles (e.g., carbon nanotubes, metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, and certain other nanomaterials) have on plants. Nanoparticles produce several effects on plant physiology and morphology. Nanoparticles are known to affect root structure, seed germination, and cellular metabolism. Nanoparticles inhibit growth, induce oxidative stress, morphogenetic abnormalities and produce clastogenic disturbances in several plant species. The size, shape and surface coating of NPs play an important role in determining their level of toxicity. Of course, the dose, route of administration, type of dispersion media, and environmental exposure also contribute to how toxic nanoparticles are to plants. Currently, nanotoxicity studies are only in their initial phases of development and more research will be required to identify the actual threat nanoproducts pose to the plant system. To date, data show that there is a large variation in the phytotoxicity caused by different NPs. Moreover, the studies conducted thus far have mostly relied on microscopy to detect effects. Studies that incorporate measures and analyses undertaken with more modern tools are needed. Among new data that are most urgently needed on NPs is how fabricated NPs behave once released into the environment, and how exposure to them may affect plant resistance, metabolic pathways, and plant genetic responses. In this review, we have attempted to collect, present and summarize recent findings from the literature on nanoparticle toxicity in plants. To strengthen the analysis, we propose a scheme for accessing NP toxicity. We also recommend how the potential challenges presented by increased production and release of NPs should be addressed. It is our belief and recommendation that every nanomaterial-based product be subjected to appropriate toxicity and associated assessment before being commercialized.

The Influence of Copper and Silver Nanocolloids on the Quality of Pressed Spring Rapeseed Oil

“…The effects of nanoparticle interactions with plants can range from small changes in the soil environment to changes in the morphology of physiology and plant genetics. Although the mechanism of interaction of nanoparticles with plants is not fully understood, it is assumed that, depending on their properties, they can form complexes with transport proteins or root exudates, as a result of which they can be transferred to the plant system [33]. Apart from uptake of nanoparticles through roots, foliar uptake is also possible as they are able to penetrate leaf surfaces through stomata [34].…”

“…In turn, for the =C-H stretching vibrations in the cis-configuration, very characteristic and intensive vibrations were present with the maximum at approximately 3005-3008 cm −1 (Figure 2 and Tables S1 and S2). Vibrations with the maxima at approximately 2952/5, 2922/4 and 2852/3 cm −1 originated from the stretching vibrations of -C-H in -CH 3 , CH 2 groups belonging to the aliphatic groups in triglycerides [32,33,56,57,59].…”

Nonspherical Metal‐Based Nanoarchitectures: Synthesis and Impact of Size, Shape, and Composition on Their Biological Activity

“…In this respect, understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to toxicity effect of nanomaterials should help scientists determine their scope of application, apart from identifying rational and safe manufacturing methods. [ 251 ] There are many suitable models for examining toxicity, such as cell culture studies, epithelial bilayer tissue models, zebrafish embryos, aquatic plants, Daphnia magna , and mammals. [ 252 ] Cellular responses, tissue/organ changes, and organism responses are common research directions in the toxicological study of nanomaterials.…”

Antibacterial and Antifungal Studies of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Plant Parasitic Nematode Meloidogyne incognita, Plant Pathogens Ralstonia solanacearum and Fusarium oxysporum

“…Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a promising candidate in nanomedicine [ 2 , 3 ] and other AgNPs combinations, like those with biomaterials [ 4 ] to reduce microbial contamination. Globally in 2010, it is estimated that 260,000–309,000 metric tons of nanoparticles were produced [ 5 ], and worldwide consumption of nanomaterials was approximately 225,060–585,000 metric tons in 2014 to 2019 [ 6 ]. In nanomaterial science, green synthesis of nanomaterials has gained extensive attention as a sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly protocol [ 7 , 8 ].…”