Nanomaterial Interactions in Plant Systems

Nanomaterials, defined as engineered particles with at least one dimension below 100 nm, interact with plants through a series of physical, chemical and biological processes. Upon release into the environment, nanoparticles may adsorb onto root epidermal surfaces, penetrate cell walls and enter the symplast or apoplast, thereafter translocating via the vascular system. Within tissues, they can accumulate in organelles such as chloroplasts and vacuoles, modulating photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and hormone signalling. Depending on their composition, size, surface coating and concentration, nanomaterials may act as stress ameliorators—scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities—or induce phytotoxicity through oxidative burst, membrane disruption and nutrient imbalance. Such dual functionality underlies their potential as nano-fertilisers, nano-pesticides and agents for stress tolerance, while raising questions about food-chain transfer, soil health and ecological safety. Current research seeks to elucidate dosing thresholds, transformation pathways in planta and long-term impacts on crop yield and ecosystem resilience.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Nanomaterial Interactions in Plant Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanomaterial interactions in plant systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanoparticle: A particle with dimensions below 100 nm, exhibiting size-dependent properties distinct from bulk materials.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage cellular components or act as signalling molecules.

Nanozyme: A nanoparticle that mimics the catalytic activity of natural enzymes, often used to scavenge ROS.

Foliar application: Direct delivery of substances to plant leaves, enabling absorption through the cuticle or stomata.

Translocation: Movement of substances within the plant body, typically via xylem (upward) or phloem (bidirectional) vascular tissues.

Phytotoxicity: Adverse effects of a substance on plant growth, development or physiology.

References

1. Cerium oxide as a nanozyme for plant abiotic stress tolerance: An overview of the mechanisms. Plant Nano Biology (2023).
2. Impact of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Plant: A Critical Review. Frontiers in Chemistry (2017).
3. Effect of Foliar Spray Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Quantitative, Nutritional, and Physiological Parameters of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) under Field Conditions. Nanomaterials (2019).