Nanoparticle Applications in Plant Biotechnology

Nanoparticles (NPs) with dimensions below 100 nm possess unique physicochemical properties that have transformed plant biotechnology. Their high surface-to-volume ratio and modifiable surface chemistry enable precise delivery of nucleic acids, proteins and agrochemicals for genetic transformation, crop protection and stress management. In tissue culture, metallic and metal-oxide NPs serve as abiotic elicitors, inducing controlled reactive oxygen species that modulate signalling pathways and enhance production of valuable secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids and phenolics. Nanoencapsulation technologies improve the stability and targeted release of fertilisers and pesticides, reducing environmental impact while boosting nutrient use efficiency. Additionally, NPs function as in vivo sensors to monitor plant physiological status and environmental cues. Integration of nanoparticle systems has advanced somatic embryogenesis, in vitro regeneration and novel metabolite-harvesting methods. Ongoing research focuses on elucidating NP uptake, translocation mechanisms and long-term ecological safety to fully harness their potential in sustainable agriculture and high-value bioprocessing.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Studies have elucidated the internalisation and movement of silver nanoparticles within plant tissues. In vitro exposure of nodal segments revealed deposition of silver NPs in epidermal cells, vascular bundles and intermembrane spaces, as well as accumulation around stomata and leaf ribs. Such localisation patterns were associated with alterations in shoot proliferation rates, chlorophyll concentration and biomass dry matter. Detailed characterisation of these translocation pathways informs the design of nanoparticle-based delivery platforms aimed at targeted modulation of growth regulators and defence signals in crop species.

Nanoparticle Applications in Plant Biotechnology publication trend

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

Technical terms

Nanoparticle (NP): An engineered particle with at least one dimension between 1 nm and 100 nm, exhibiting distinct surface and quantum effects.

Elicitor: A physical or chemical agent that activates plant defence pathways, often leading to increased secondary metabolite synthesis.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Highly reactive oxygen derivatives that serve as secondary messengers in plant stress and defence signalling.

Secondary Metabolites: Bioactive compounds not directly involved in growth or primary metabolism, including alkaloids, terpenoids and phenolics.

Nanoencapsulation: Encapsulation of active ingredients within nanoscale carriers to enhance stability, bioavailability and controlled release.

References

1. Silver nanoparticles: Elicitor of anticancer metabolite biosynthesis and growth-metabolites parameters in Tanacetum parthenium L.. Environmental Technology & Innovation (2024).
2. Nanoparticles Alter Secondary Metabolism in Plants via ROS Burst. Frontiers in Plant Science (2017).
3. Nanoparticles in Agroindustry: Applications, Toxicity, Challenges, and Trends. Nanomaterials (2020).
4. Exposure of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) to silver nanoparticles in vitro: transport and accumulation. Scientific Reports (2019).
5. Engineered ZnO and CuO Nanoparticles Ameliorate Morphological and Biochemical Response in Tissue Culture Regenerants of Candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana). Molecules (2020).
6. Nanoparticles as Novel Elicitors to Improve Bioactive Compounds in Plants. Agriculture (2021).
7. Nanoparticles as elicitors and harvesters of economically important secondary metabolites in higher plants: A review. IET Nanobiotechnology (2021).