A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles Induced Stress and Toxicity in Plants

Abstract

Increasing demand for engineered Nanomaterial (ENMs) that have been widely applied in plant systems, for the improvement of quality, development, growth, nutritive value, and gene preservation. The uptake, translocation, biotransformation, and the associated perils of application of Nanomaterial in the crops demand a much deeper understanding of the biochemical, physiological, and molecular mechanisms of the florae in relation to nanoparticles (NPs). Interaction between different plant parts and NPs resulted in various changes in physiology, morphology, and genotoxicity, indicating positive as well as negative feedback by NMs over the various mechanisms of the plants and their species. NMs may open new and safer opportunities for smart delivery of biomolecules and new strategies in plant genetic engineering, with the final aim to enhance plant defense and/or stimulate plant growth and development and, ultimately, crop production. This review summarizes the current understanding and the future possibilities of research relevant to plant-nanoparticles integrations.