Nanomaterials in Plant Growth Enhancement
Summary
Nanomaterials encompass a diverse range of engineered particles, typically between 1 and 100 nm in at least one dimension, that have been harnessed to boost plant growth, yield and stress resilience. Carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon dots, graphene derivatives and carbon nanosols can improve nutrient and water uptake by modulating root permeability, aquaporin activity and hormone homeostasis. Metal-oxide nanoparticles may act as nano-fertilisers or elicitors of antioxidant responses, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency under suboptimal conditions. In addition, nanomaterials can influence the rhizosphere microbiome, enriching beneficial microbes that facilitate nutrient cycling and phytohormone production. These advances promise sustainable intensification of agriculture by reducing reliance on conventional agrochemicals, improving resource use efficiency and fortifying plants against biotic and abiotic stressors. However, the narrow window between stimulatory and inhibitory concentrations necessitates careful control of particle size, surface chemistry and dosage to avoid phytotoxicity and unintended ecological impacts.
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Nanomaterials in Plant Growth Enhancement publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanomaterials in plant growth enhancement across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nanomaterial: An engineered material with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm, exhibiting unique physicochemical properties.
Carbon nanosol: A colloidal suspension of carbon-based nanomaterials designed for plant treatment, capable of entering root tissues and modulating cellular processes.
Aquaporin: A membrane protein channel facilitating rapid water movement across plant cell membranes, crucial for maintaining hydration and growth.
Phytotoxicity: The toxic effect of a substance on plant growth and development, often evidenced by inhibited germination, chlorosis or reduced biomass.
Microbiome: The community of microorganisms inhabiting a defined environment, such as the rhizosphere or endosphere, which can influence plant health and nutrient availability.
References
- Phytotoxicological effects of phytosynthesized nanoparticles: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology (2024).
- Single‐Cell Transcriptome Reveals Aquaporin‐Mediated Carbon Nanosol‐Induced Growth Promotion of Plants. Advanced Science (2025).
- Biphasic impacts of graphite-derived engineering carbon-based nanomaterials on plant performance: Effectiveness vs. nanotoxicity. Advanced Agrochem (2023).
- Carbon nanosol-induced assemblage of a plant-beneficial microbiome consortium. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2023).
- Plant Response to Engineered Metal Oxide Nanoparticles. Discover Nano (2017).
- Carbon Nanomaterials in Agriculture: A Critical Review. Frontiers in Plant Science (2016).
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