Nanoforms of essential metals: from hormetic phytoeffects to agricultural potential

Abstract

Vital plant functions require at least six metals (copper, iron, molybdenum, manganese, zinc, nickel) which function as enzyme cofactors or inducers. In the past decades, the rapidly evolving nanotechnology has created nanoforms of essential metals (e.g. nZnO, nFe2O3 etc.), having a number of favourable properties over the bulk material. The effects of nanometals on plants are concentration-dependent (hormesis), but also depend on the properties of the nanometals, the plants species and the treatment conditions. This review collects studies examining plant responses to essential nanometal treatments using (multi)omics approach and emphasizes the importance of gaining a holistic view of the diversified effects. Furthermore, the review discusses the beneficial effects of essential nanometals on plants, which provides the basis for their applicability in crop production as nanopriming or nanostimulator agents, nanofertilizers etc. As by the application of essential nanometals lower environmental impact and increased yield can be achieved, nanometals support sustainable agriculture. Recent studies actively examine the utilization of green-synthetized metal nanoparticles, which perfectly fits into the environmental-friendly trend of future agriculture. There is still a long way to go before essential nanometals can be safely applied in agricultural, but it is certainly a promising direction that is timely to investigate.

Iron Oxide (Magnetite)-Based Nanobiomaterial with Medical Applications—Environmental Hazard Assessment Using Terrestrial Model Species

“…This is similar to an hormesis effect, possibly because Fe is an essential element in living organisms (a micronutrient required for metabolic processes across living organisms such as energy production, DNA repair and replication, regulation of gene expression, etc.). Hormesis effects in response to nanoforms of essential metals are relatively well described in plants, as reviewed by Kolbert et al [ 30 ]. The range of concentrations that promote for instance, growth, are, in fact, those with potential usage in agricultural applications [ 30 ].…”

“…Hormesis effects in response to nanoforms of essential metals are relatively well described in plants, as reviewed by Kolbert et al [ 30 ]. The range of concentrations that promote for instance, growth, are, in fact, those with potential usage in agricultural applications [ 30 ].…”

A Review of Nano fertilization and its role on growth, yield and quality characteristics of fruit trees

“…For example, the addition of nano iron oxide led to an increase in the dry weight of potatoes. The effect of nanomaterials, especially the necessary and beneficial mineral ions for plants, such as zinc oxide, iron, copper, manganese, and nickel nanoparticles, which act as enzymatic aids or regulators of genetic expressions, depends on their concentration, which has a positive effect on these low concentrations, as well as the type of metal, the type of plant and the conditions of addition (Kolbert et al, 2021).…”

Manganese Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Mechanisms of Influence on Plant Resistance to Stress, and Prospects for Application in Agricultural Chemistry

“…Substances containing microelements are necessary for successful functioning of plants and are of great interest for agrochemistry. Several recent reviews focused on the effect of various nanoparticles (NPs) on plants that are available, , including heavy metal NPs , and agricultural potential of their hormetic phytoeffects. − Biomedical applications of manganese (Mn) NPs are also being actively studied, , but we are unaware of recent comprehensive reviews, if any, specifically on the use of Mn NPs as plant growth stimulators and agents for regulating phytopathogens, or this information is rather scattered . Therefore, the main purpose of this review is to fill this gap by demonstrating that Mn NPs are of interest for modern agriculture as potential growth stimulants for cultivated plants, as well as cost-effective and environmentally friendly sources of mineral nutrition.…”