Metal Nanoparticles and Plants / Nanocząstki Metaliczne I Rośliny

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) belong mostly to the engineered type of nanoparticles and have not only unique physical and chemical properties but also different biological actions. In recent years, noble MNPs and their nano-sized agglomerates (collectively referred to as nanoparticles or particles in the subsequent sections) have been the subjects of much focused research due to their unique electronic, optical, mechanical, magnetic and chemical properties that can be significantly different from those of bulk materials. To enhance their use, it is important to understand the generation, transport, deposition, and interaction of such particles. Synthesis of MNPs is based on chemical or physical synthetic procedures and by use of biological material ("green synthesis" as an environmentally benign process) including bacteria, algae and vascular plants (mainly metallophytes). In biological methods for preparation of metal nanoparticles mainly leaf reductants occurring in leaf extracts are used. MNPs can be formed also directly in living plants by reduction of the metal ions absorbed as a soluble salt, indicating that plants are a suitable vehicle for production of MNPs. These methods used for preparation of MNPs are aimed to control their size and shape. Moreover, physicochemical properties of MNPs determine their interaction with living organisms. In general, inside the cells nanoparticles might directly provoke either alterations of membranes and other cell structures or activity of protective mechanisms. Indirect effects of MNPs depend on their physical and chemical properties and may include physical restraints, solubilization of toxic nanoparticle compounds or production of reactive oxygen species. Toxic impacts of MNPs on plants is connected with chemical toxicity based on their chemical composition (eg release of toxic metal ions) and with stress or stimuli caused by the surface, size and shape of these nanoparticles. Positive effects of MNPs were observed on the following plant features: seed germination, growth of plant seedlings, stimulation of oxygen evolution rate in chloroplasts, protection of chloroplasts from aging for long-time illumination, increase of the electron transfer and photophosphorylation, biomass accumulation, activity of Rubisco, increase of quantum yield of photosystem II, root elongation, increase of chlorophyll as well as nucleic acid level and increase in the shoot/root ratio. However, it should be stressed that MNPs impact on human and environmental health remains still unclear.

Copper nanoparticle induced macromutation in Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (Leguminosae): a pioneer report

“…Mushtaq (2011) also reported that Fe 3 O 4 , TiO 2 and carbon NPs cause negative effect on seed germination rate, root elongation and germination index of cucumber plant. On the positive side, NPs in plant species are reported to enhance seed germination frequency and growth of plant seedlings, root elongation, increase in root/shoot ratio among other physiological attributes (Masarovičová and Král'ová 2013). It is rather essential to administer appropriate doses of NPs in plant species for attaining beneficial effects.…”

“…The development of nanomaterials is significant as it opened new vista in plant biotechnology and agriculture (Scrinis and Lyons 2007). Application of nanotechnology is found to target specific agricultural problems in plant pathogen interaction providing new ways for crop protection (Nair et al 2010) apart from possessing significant uses in medicine and life sciences (Patolsky et al 2006;Caruthers et al 2007; Masarovičová and Král'ová 2013). Cu-NPs are used as microfertilizers and pesticides (Selivanov and Zorin 2001;Raikova et al 2006).…”

“…Cu-NPs are used as microfertilizers and pesticides (Selivanov and Zorin 2001;Raikova et al 2006). The mechanism of interaction of NPs with microorganisms (Pelletier et al 2010;Dimkpa et al 2012), protozoa (Mortimer et al 2010), invertebrates (Zhao and Wang 2010;Valant et al 2012) and vertebrates (Federici et al 2007) is well documented, which is rather meagre in plant species (Nair et al 2010;Remédios et al 2012;Masarovičová and Král'ová 2013).…”

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by their small size (\100 nm) and large surface area, confer specific physicochemical properties as strength, electrical and optical features (Remédios et al 2012;Masarovičová and Král'ová 2013). The development of nanomaterials is significant as it opened new vista in plant biotechnology and agriculture (Scrinis and Lyons 2007).…”

Application Of Nanotechnology In Agriculture And Food Industry, Its Prospects And Risks

“…Beside the above-mentioned nanofertilizers that supply essential nutrients to plants, also some other NPs, eg TiO 2 NPs, Al 2 O 3 NPs or single-walled or multiwall carbon nanotubes were found to have beneficial effect on plant growth [269][270][271]. Although titanium does not belong to essential plant nutrients, application of TiO 2 NPs was found to improve plant-photosynthesis efficacy, increase plant-enzyme activity and provide plants with more N nutrient by chemical fixation of N 2 in the air, thereby enhancing plant growth [272][273][274][275].…”