Bioinspired and Green Synthesis of Nanostructures

7Interactions of Nanoparticles with Plants: Accumulation and Effects

Indrajit Roy

Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

Abstract

Several factors, such as global climate change, rapid urbanization, growing food demands, uncontrolled disposal of non-biodegradable waste, overuse of harmful agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, etc., have contributed to a steady decline in crops, plants and trees worldwide. These factors have led to disturbance in the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance, crop loss, soil erosion, enhanced pollution, etc., that has harmed both the ecology and the economy. Therefore, we must seek novel scientific and technological interventions for the restoration of the well-being and productivity of the flora.

Advances in nanotechnology promise to usher unprecedented developments in several critical areas such as energy storage/conversion, healthcare, agriculture, environmental remediation, etc. It has been observed that several nanoparticles are efficiently uptaken by plants through their roots, leaves and seeds, followed by their rapid translocation to other plant parts and cellular accumulation, with negligible harmful effects at moderate dosages. This provides ample opportunities where the composition, tailored dimensions, high surface area, unique physical properties and stimuli-responsiveness of nanoparticles and nanoparticle-based devices can be exploited for the benefit of plants.

Recently, we have witnessed a surge in the application ...