Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Plant Growth and Development: A Review (original) (raw)

2023, Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences

A subsidiary discipline that arose as a combination of biotechnology and nano-science is of "nano-biotechnology", which involves wide-ranging applications of the physicochemical properties of nanostructures in the agricultural and biomedical domains. Nanotechnology has seen numerous breakthroughs and developments in a short course of time and given rise to newer branches of scientific research. Carbon derived nanomaterials, especially nanotubes (CNTs) have arisen as extremely promising nanostructures with a wide range of applications because of their unique properties. The thoughtful employment of CNTs, in the arena of plant development has resulted in an improvement in the growth parameters of diverse groups of plants. The uptake of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) influences the output of plants, potentially through interactions between the plant DNA and CNTs. The current review suggests the possibility of employing CNTs as a growth stimulating additive when administered in low doses, along with explaining the background of their occurrence and useful attributes. The review focusses on the potential of CNTs in transforming agricultural practices in the near future and providing sustainable solutions to some of the most serious problems plaguing plant growth and development. Finally, it emphasizes on the need for a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms which would pave the way for the use of these materials in agriculture, emerging as a novel technology.