Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 29789

Special Issue Editor

Mendel University in Brno, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory of Plant Metabolomic and Epigenetic, Zemedelska 1665/1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Interests: nanoparticles; secondary metabolites; epigenetics; plant; microalgae

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I cordially invite you to contribute a review or research article into the Special Issue of Nanomaterials, “Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons”. Currently, the major problems in crop plant growing are the extreme changes of the weather, nutrient deficiency of soil, and wasteful use of insecticide and herbicide against pests. These problems can be solved using nanotechnology (nanoparticle) approaches. However, there is still very little information about their “fate” and influence on plant organisms. Therefore, further basic research on the phytotoxicity of nanomaterials is extremely important, as well as research on how we could use NPs in agriculture. The main aim of this Special Issue is to paint an overall picture of the influence of different nanoparticles (NPs) on the development, growth, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, production of reactive oxygen species, and their impact on the expression of genes and epigenetic level, including (methylations to sRNAs) on plants. Generally, the toxicity of nanoparticles is attributable to two different steps: i) chemical toxicity based on chemical composition, for example, the release of (toxic) ions, and ii) stress stimuli caused by surface, size, or shape of the particles.

Dr. Dalibor Húska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Nanoparticles
  • Plant stress
  • Secondary metabolites
  • Metabolomics
  • Gene expression
  • miRNAs
  • Epigenetics

Published Papers (9 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 3617 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nano-TiO2 Composite on the Fertilization and Fruit-Setting of Litchi
by Yue Huang, Yusi Dong, Xiaobo Ding, Zhenchen Ning, Jiyuan Shen, Houbin Chen and Zuanxian Su
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4287; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12234287 - 02 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are widely used as fertilizers in agricultural production because they promote photosynthesis and strong adhesion. Low pollination and fertilization due to rainy weather during the litchi plant’s flowering phase result in poor fruit quality and output. nTiO [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) are widely used as fertilizers in agricultural production because they promote photosynthesis and strong adhesion. Low pollination and fertilization due to rainy weather during the litchi plant’s flowering phase result in poor fruit quality and output. nTiO2 would affect litchi during the flowering and fruiting stages. This study considers how nTiO2 affects litchi’s fruit quality and pollen viability during the flowering stage. The effects of nTiO2 treatment on pollen vigor, yield, and fruit quality were investigated. nTiO2 effectively improved the pollen germination rate and pollen tube length of litchi male flowers. The germination rate reached 22.31 ± 1.70%, and the pollen tube reached 237.66 μm in the 450 mg/L reagent-treated group. Spraying with 150 mg/L of nTiO2 increased the germination rate of pollen by 2.67% and 3.67% for two types of male flowers (M1 and M2) of anthesis, respectively. After nTiO2 spraying, the fruit set rates of ‘Guiwei’ and ‘Nomici’ were 46.68% and 30.33%, respectively, higher than those of the boric acid treatment group and the control group. The edibility rate, titration calculation, and vitamin C of nTiO2 treatment were significantly higher than those of the control. The nTiO2-treated litchi fruit was more vividly colored. Meanwhile, the adhesion of nTiO2 to leaves was effectively optimized by using ATP and BCS to form nTiO2 carriers and configuring nTiO2 complex reagents. These results set the foundation for future applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles as fertilizers for agriculture and guide their application to flowers and fruits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1191 KiB  
Article
Mechanisms of Chitosan Nanoparticles in the Regulation of Cold Stress Resistance in Banana Plants
by Anbang Wang, Jingyang Li, Arwa Abdulkreem AL-Huqail, Mohammad S. AL-Harbi, Esmat F. Ali, Jiashui Wang, Zheli Ding, Saudi A. Rekaby, Adel M. Ghoneim and Mamdouh A. Eissa
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2670; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11102670 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 2934
Abstract
Exposure of banana plants, one of the most important tropical and subtropical plants, to low temperatures causes a severe drop in productivity, as they are sensitive to cold and do not have a strong defense system against chilling. Therefore, this study aimed to [...] Read more.
Exposure of banana plants, one of the most important tropical and subtropical plants, to low temperatures causes a severe drop in productivity, as they are sensitive to cold and do not have a strong defense system against chilling. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the growth and resistance to cold stress of banana plants using foliar treatments of chitosan nanoparticles (CH-NPs). CH-NPs produced by nanotechnology have been used to enhance tolerance and plant growth under different abiotic stresses, e.g., salinity and drought; however, there is little information available about their effects on banana plants under cold stress. In this study, banana plants were sprayed with four concentrations of CH-NPs—i.e., 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg L−1 of deionized water—and a group that had not been cold stressed or undergone CH-NP treatment was used as control. Banana plants (Musa acuminata var. Baxi) were grown in a growth chamber and exposed to cold stress (5 °C for 72 h). Foliar application of CH-NPs caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in most of the growth parameters and in the nutrient content of the banana plants. Spraying banana plants with CH-NPs (400 mg L−1) increased the fresh and dry weights by 14 and 41%, respectively, compared to the control. A positive correlation was found between the foliar application of CH-NPs, on the one hand, and photosynthesis pigments and antioxidant enzyme activities on the other. Spraying banana plants with CH-NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radicals (OH), and superoxide anions (O2•−). CH-NPs (400 mg L−1) decreased MDA, H2O2, OH, and O2•− by 33, 33, 40, and 48%, respectively, compared to the unsprayed plants. We hypothesize that CH-NPs increase the efficiency of banana plants in the face of cold stress by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and, in consequence, the degree of oxidative stress. The accumulation of osmoprotectants (soluble carbohydrates, proline, and amino acids) contributed to enhancing the cold stress tolerance in the banana plants. Foliar application of CH-NPs can be used as a sustainable and economically feasible approach to achieving cold stress tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3169 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Applications of Bio-fabricated Silver Nanoparticles to Improve Biochemical, Antioxidant, Fatty Acid and Secondary Metabolite Contents of Sunflower
by Syeda Umber Batool, Bilal Javed, Sohail, Syeda Sadaf Zehra, Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani, Naveed Iqbal Raja, Tariq Khan, Haifa Abdulaziz Sakit ALHaithloul, Suliman Mohammed Alghanem, Amina A. M. Al-Mushhin, Mohamed Hashem and Saad Alamri
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1750; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11071750 - 03 Jul 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3883
Abstract
The present study involved the bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the Euphorbia helioscopia L. leaves aqueous extract to improve the production of secondary metabolites in industrially important sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Phyto-fabrication of AgNPs was confirmed by using spectrophotometry, [...] Read more.
The present study involved the bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the Euphorbia helioscopia L. leaves aqueous extract to improve the production of secondary metabolites in industrially important sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Phyto-fabrication of AgNPs was confirmed by using spectrophotometry, SEM imaging and X-ray diffraction analysis. The morphological and optical characterization manifested that the AgNPs are crystalline and exist in the size range of 30–100 nm. Various concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) of AgNPs were applied in combinations on sunflower seeds and crop plants. The effects of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated for agro-morphological parameters (plant height, flowering initiation and seed weight), biochemical metabolites (chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugar, amino acid and protein contents) and enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) in sunflower and 60 mg/L concentration of AgNPs on sunflower seeds and foliar sprays on plants in combination were found to be effective to elicit biochemical modifications to improve secondary metabolites. It was also observed experimentally that 60 mg/L concentration of AgNPs improved the biochemical, fatty acid and enzymatic attributes of sunflower plants, which in turn improved the plant agro-morphological parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis results confirmed the improvement in the seed quality, oil contents and fatty acid composition (palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid) after the applications of AgNPs. The findings of the present investigation confirm the exogenous applications of bio-fabricated AgNPs in combinations on seeds and plants to improve the plant yield, seed quality and secondary metabolite contents of the sunflower plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2577 KiB  
Article
Sequential Changes in Antioxidant Potential of Oakleaf Lettuce Seedlings Caused by Nano-TiO2 Treatment
by Rita Jurkow, Andrzej Kalisz, Dalibor Húska, Agnieszka Sękara and Soheila Dastborhan
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11051171 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1814
Abstract
Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in nanoparticle (NP) technology used in household and industrial products. It could cause an accumulation and dispersion of NPs in the environment, with possible harmful effects on living organisms. Nanoparticles significantly affect plants and alter their physiology [...] Read more.
Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in nanoparticle (NP) technology used in household and industrial products. It could cause an accumulation and dispersion of NPs in the environment, with possible harmful effects on living organisms. Nanoparticles significantly affect plants and alter their physiology and biochemical pathways, and nanotechnology can be used to improve plant characteristics that are desirable by humans. Therefore, more extensive studies of NP interactions with plants are still needed. The aim of this report is to investigate the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, fresh and dry weights, and malondialdehyde contents in oakleaf lettuce seedlings. Plants were foliar treated with a 0.75% suspension of TiO2-NPs, while control plants were sprayed with deionized water. Leaves were sampled 4, 7, 9, 11, and 13 days after the treatment. The effects of TiO2-NPs were time-dependent, but the most spectacular changes were observed 4 days after the treatment. Exposure of the plants to TiO2-NPs significantly increased the contents of glutathione at all sampling points, total phenolics at days 4 and 13, and L-ascorbic acid at 4, 7, and 11 days after the treatment. Elevated levels of ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities were recorded at days 4 and 13, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity increased initially in treated seedlings, when compared with the control, and then decreased. On day 7, higher fresh and dry weights, as well as malondialdehyde contents in TiO2-NPs treated plants were observed, compared with the control. The study demonstrated that the activation of some antioxidant system components due to TiO2-NPs treatment was connected with the induction of mild oxidative stress, with no external symptoms of NP toxicity in oakleaf lettuce. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2755 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of CeO2 Nanoparticles Alters Generative Components Fitness and Seed Productivity in Bean Crop (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
by Hajar Salehi, Abdolkarim Chehregani Rad, Ali Raza and Jen-Tsung Chen
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 862; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11040862 - 28 Mar 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2823
Abstract
In the era of technology, nanotechnology has been introduced as a new window for agriculture. However, no attention has been paid to the effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) on the reproductive stage of plant development to evaluate their toxicity and [...] Read more.
In the era of technology, nanotechnology has been introduced as a new window for agriculture. However, no attention has been paid to the effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) on the reproductive stage of plant development to evaluate their toxicity and safety. To address this important topic, bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) treated aerially with nCeO2 suspension at 250–2000 mg L−1 were cultivated until flowering and seed production in the greenhouse condition. Microscopy analysis was carried out on sectioned anthers and ovules at different developmental stages. The pollen’s mother cell development in nCeO2 treatments was normal at early stages, the same as control plants. However, the results indicated that pollen grains underwent serious structural damages, including chromosome separation abnormality at anaphase I, pollen wall defect, and pollen grain malformations in nCeO2-treated plants at the highest concentration, which resulted in pollen abortion and yield losses. On the ovule side, the progression of development only at the highest concentration was modified in the two-nucleated embryo sac stage, probably due to apoptosis in nuclei. Nevertheless, the findings confirmed the more pronounced vulnerability of male reproductive development under nCeO2 exposure than female development. The higher concentration decreased seed productivity, including seed set in either pods or whole plant (13% and 18% compared to control, respectively). The data suggested the potential application of nCeO2 at optimal dosages as a plant productivity ameliorative. However, a higher dosage is considered as an eco-environmental hazard. To our best knowledge, this is the first study analyzing reproductive plant response upon exposure to nCeO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2051 KiB  
Article
Lignin Nanoparticles: A Promising Tool to Improve Maize Physiological, Biochemical, and Chemical Traits
by Daniele Del Buono, Francesca Luzi and Debora Puglia
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 846; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11040846 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3253
Abstract
Lignin, and its derivatives, are the subject of current research for the exciting properties shown by this biomass. Particularly attractive are lignin nanoparticles for their eco- and biocompatibility compared to other nanomaterials. In this context, the effect of nanostructured lignin microparticles (LNP), obtained [...] Read more.
Lignin, and its derivatives, are the subject of current research for the exciting properties shown by this biomass. Particularly attractive are lignin nanoparticles for their eco- and biocompatibility compared to other nanomaterials. In this context, the effect of nanostructured lignin microparticles (LNP), obtained from alkaline lignin by acid treatment, on maize plants was investigated. To this end, maize seeds were primed with LNP at five concentrations: 80 mg L−1 (T80), 312 mg L−1 (T312), 1250 mg L−1 (T1250), 5000 mg L−1 (T5000) and 20,000 mg L−1 (T20000). Concerning the dose applied, LNP prompted positive effects on the first stages of maize development (germination and radicle length). Furthermore, the study of plant growth, biochemical and chemical parameters on the developed plants indicated that concerning the dose applied. LNP stimulated beneficial effects on the seedlings (fresh weight and length of shoots and roots). Besides, specific treatments increased the content of chlorophyll (a and b), carotenoid, and anthocyanin. Finally, the soluble protein content showed a positive trend in response to specific dosages. These effects are significant, given the essential biological function performed by these biomolecules. In conclusion, this research indicates as the nanostructured lignin microparticles can be used, at appropriate dosages, to induce positive biological responses in maize. This beneficial action deserves attention as it candidates LNP for biostimulating a crop through seed priming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3799 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Carboxymethylcellulose Copper-Montmorillonite Nanocomposite for Controlling the Infection of Erwinia carotovora in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
by Ryan Rienzie, Lasantha Sendanayake, Devika De Costa, Akbar Hossain, Marian Brestic, Milan Skalicky, Pavla Vachova and Nadeesh M. Adassooriya
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 802; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030802 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2378
Abstract
A novel antimicrobial formulation based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) spray-coated Cu2+ intercalated montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite material was prepared and its morphology, internal structure, and bonding interactions were studied. Meanwhile, the antibacterial efficacy and release behavior of Cu2+ was also determined. PXRD patterns [...] Read more.
A novel antimicrobial formulation based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) spray-coated Cu2+ intercalated montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite material was prepared and its morphology, internal structure, and bonding interactions were studied. Meanwhile, the antibacterial efficacy and release behavior of Cu2+ was also determined. PXRD patterns indicated the intercalation of Cu2+, while FTIR spectra and TGA traces confirmed the association of Cu−MMT with CMC. SEM study revealed the improvement of nanocomposites by CMC, without disturbing the clay structure. TEM and EDAX studies indicated the distribution of Cu (copper) throughout the composite. In vitro antibacterial assays performed with Erwinia carotovora revealed effective bacterial growth suppression, indicating the potential of this material in controlling soft rot of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum); also observed was a connection between growth inhibition and concentration of CMC spray coats indicating a positive relationship between Cu2+ release and concentration of the CMC coatings. The activity pattern of the nanocomposite displayed a significant degree of sustained-release behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5184 KiB  
Article
Chitosan–Selenium Nanoparticle (Cs–Se NP) Foliar Spray Alleviates Salt Stress in Bitter Melon
by Morteza Sheikhalipour, Behrooz Esmaielpour, Mahdi Behnamian, Gholamreza Gohari, Mousa Torabi Giglou, Pavla Vachova, Anshu Rastogi, Marian Brestic and Milan Skalicky
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 684; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030684 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 99 | Viewed by 5539
Abstract
Salt stress severely reduces growth and yield of plants. Considering the positive effects of selenium (Se) and chitosan (Cs) separately against abiotic stress, in these experiments, we synthesized chitosan–selenium nanoparticles (Cs–Se NPs) and investigated their ability to reduce the negative effects of salt [...] Read more.
Salt stress severely reduces growth and yield of plants. Considering the positive effects of selenium (Se) and chitosan (Cs) separately against abiotic stress, in these experiments, we synthesized chitosan–selenium nanoparticles (Cs–Se NPs) and investigated their ability to reduce the negative effects of salt stress on growth and some biochemical parameters of bitter melon (Momordica charantia). Bitter melon plants were grown at three NaCl salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM) and a foliar spray of Cs–Se NPs (0, 10, and 20 mg L−1) was applied. Some key morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters in leaf samples and essential oil from fruit were measured at harvest. Salinity decreased growth and yield while foliar application of Cs–Se NPs increased these critical parameters. Furthermore, Cs–Se NPs enhanced bitter melon tolerance to salinity by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, proline concentration, relative water content, and K+, and decreasing MDA and H2O2 oxidants and Na aggregation in plant tissues. Yield was also improved, as the highest amount of essential oils was produced by plants treated with Cs–Se NPs. Generally, the greatest improvement in measured parameters under saline conditions was obtained by treating plants with 20 mg L−1 Cs–Se NPs, which significantly increased salinity tolerance in bitter melon plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 1557 KiB  
Review
Nanotechnology-Based Bioactive Antifeedant for Plant Protection
by Melanie Melanie, Mia Miranti, Hikmat Kasmara, Desak Made Malini, Teguh Husodo, Camellia Panatarani, I Made Joni and Wawan Hermawan
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(4), 630; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12040630 - 14 Feb 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4076
Abstract
The productivity of vegetable crops is constrained by insect pests. The search for alternative insect pest control is becoming increasingly important and is including the use of plant-derived pesticides. Plant-derived pesticides are reported as effective in controlling various insect pests through natural mechanisms, [...] Read more.
The productivity of vegetable crops is constrained by insect pests. The search for alternative insect pest control is becoming increasingly important and is including the use of plant-derived pesticides. Plant-derived pesticides are reported as effective in controlling various insect pests through natural mechanisms, with biodegradable organic materials, diverse bioactivity, and low toxicity to non-target organisms. An antifeedant approach for insect control in crop management has been comprehensively studied by many researchers, though it has only been restricted to plant-based compounds and to the laboratory level at least. Nano-delivery formulations of biopesticides offer a wide variety of benefits, including increased effectiveness and efficiency (well-dispersion, wettability, and target delivery) with the improved properties of the antifeedant. This review paper evaluates the role of the nano-delivery system in antifeedant obtained from various plant extracts. The evaluation includes the research progress of antifeedant-based nano-delivery systems and the bioactivity performances of different types of nano-carrier formulations against various insect pests. An antifeedant nano-delivery system can increase their bioactivities, such as increasing sublethal bioactivity or reducing toxicity levels in both crude extracts/essential oils (EOs) and pure compounds. However, the plant-based antifeedant requires nanotechnological development to improve the nano-delivery systems regarding properties related to the bioactive functionality and the target site of insect pests. It is highlighted that the formulation of plant extracts creates a forthcoming insight for a field-scale application of this nano-delivery antifeedant due to the possible economic production process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Nanoparticles on Plants: The Pros and Cons)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop