Effect of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials on Rhizosphere and Plant Functioning (original) (raw)

Improvement of Commercially Valuable Traits of Industrial Crops by Application of Carbon-based Nanomaterials

Scientific Reports, 2019

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) have great potential as a powerful tool to improve plant productivity. Here, we investigated the biological effects of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on fiber-producing species (cotton, Gossypium hirsutum) and ornamental species (vinca, Catharanthus roseus). The exposure of seeds to CNTs or graphene led to the activation of early seed germination in Catharanthus and overall higher germination in cotton and Catharanthus seeds. The application of CBNs resulted in higher root and shoot growth of young seedlings of both tested species. Cultivation of Catharanthus plants in soil supplemented with CBNs resulted in the stimulation of plant reproductive system by inducing early flower development along with higher flower production. Catharanthus plants cultivated in CNTs or graphene supplemented soil accelerated total flower production by 37 and 58%, respectively. Additionally, CBNs reduced the toxic effects caused by NaCl. Long-term application of CB...

Interaction of carbon nanotubes with plant system: a review

Carbon Letters, 2020

Recent years have witnessed remarkable development in the field of nanotechnology and it has been affirmed that carbonbased nanomaterials have wide applications in agriculture, industrial, biomedical and environmental sectors. Due to distinctive physicochemical properties of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they have been extensively utilized in plant science as a growth promoter, and thus, could be a boon for biomass production of agricultural products. Studies suggest that CNTs help increase the plant's ability to absorb water and essential nutrients, thereby increasing growth. Apart from this, CNTs have been scrutinized for their utilization in genetic engineering for the delivery of genes, proteins or drugs. However, the literature discloses mixed effects of CNTs exposure on plants like in inducing oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, studies concerning CNTs interaction with plant system is at a nascent stage and needs further investigations to explore the mechanisms influencing the growth and toxicity in plants. Therefore, this review attempts to highlight the current literature on CNTs (including both single walled and multi walled) exposure on plants. It also explores unresolved challenges, as well as recommendations to ensure sustainable development of CNTs while minimizing any possible adverse health impacts.

Effect of Carbon Nanomaterials on the Germination and Growth of Rice Plants.pdf

For the successful diverse applications of different nanomaterials in life sciences, it is necessary to understand the ultimate fate, distribution and potential environmental impacts of manufactured nanomaterials. Phytotoxicity studies using higher plants is an important criterion for understanding the toxicity of engineered nanomaterials. We studied the effects of engineered carbon nanomaterials of various dimensionalities (carbon nanotubes, C 60 , graphene) on the germination of rice seeds. A pronounced increase in the rate of germination was observed for rice seeds in the presence of some of these carbon nanostructures, in particular the nanotubes. Increased water content was observed in the carbon nanomaterial treated seeds during germination compared to controls. The germinated seeds were then grown in a basal growth medium supplemented with carbon nanomaterials for studying their impact on further seedling growth. Treated seedlings appeared to be healthier with well-developed root and shoot systems compared to control seedlings. Our results indicate the possible use for carbon nanomaterials as enhancers in the growth of rice seedlings.

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Plant Growth and Development: A Review

Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2023

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.

Growth Stimulation in Wheat and Brinjal by Impact of Water-Soluble Carbon Nanotubes

Nano-biotechnology came as a hybrid discipline, a combination of biotechnology and nano-science. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have wide range of applications because of their unique properties. Seeds of wheat (Var.3043) and brinjal (Var.PPL) were exposed to different concentrations of-OH functionalized carbon nanotubes either directly or indirectly through the nutrient media. Factors such as seed germination, root elongation, plant biomass (fresh and dry), root length, shoot length, number of leaves, etc. were evaluated. No oxidative stress or change in photosynthetic activity was observed. The observations were taken at least thrice a week and the day of germination was also observed. It was seen that a treatment with MWCNTs led to an early germination in the treated samples vis-à-vis control. The treated seedlings showed improved growth parameters in terms of their root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. An improvement in the percent seed germination was also observed. Our findings suggest a possibility of the use of carbon nanotubes as growth stimulating additive when used in low doses. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms would pave the way for the use of these materials in agriculture, where they could soon emerge as a novel technology.

Plant and Microbial Growth Responses to Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Journal of Nanosciences: Current Research, 2018

Carbon nanotubes, made of graphene, one of the world's strongest material, has shown properties that are used in applications such as energy storage devices, electron emission devices, and environmental engineering application. Recently, researchers have focused on determining the effects of carbon nanotubes on soil microorganisms and plants. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if the multi-walled carbon nanotubes will affect the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris as well as inhibit the growth of select soil microbes. Methods: The effects of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes were determined on bean plants grown under hydroponic conditions and on select soil microbes. Two weeks after germination, the plants were exposed to different concentrations of dispersed multi-walled carbon. The different concentrations were 0 ug (control), 50 µg, 250 µg, 500 µg, 750 µg and 1000 µg mLˉˡ. The growth was reported weekly by measuring the plants themselves, the diameter of the leaf, length and width, the roots, and the fruits. Cultures of Mesorhizobium sp. and Nitrosomonas stercoris were exposed to the 0 µg (control), 50 µg, 250 µg, 500 µg, 750 µg and 1000 µg mLˉˡ of dispersed MWCNTs then incubated in the BioScreen reader. The optical density was reported every 30 minutes for 24 hours. Results: Our results showed that at 50 µg/mL, bean plants exhibited tolerance to the multi-walled carbon nanotubes whereas at 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL of MWCNTs plants showed reduced growth and development and even plant death. Aliquots of 750 µg/mL and above of MWCNTs lowered the microbial biomass. The presence of high concentrations of carbon nanotubes is likely to cause stress to microbes and the direct contact of CNTs with microbes could damage their cell membrane leading to cell death. Conclusion: As results of this study, the concentration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes should be set at a maximum of 500 µg mLˉˡ when being released to the soil or environment.

INTERACTION OF CARBON NANOTUBES WITH MINERAL NUTRIENTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF GROWTH OF TOMATO SEEDLINGS

D. K. Tiwari et al. Nano Studies, 2013, 7, 87-96., 2013

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted a major interest because of their unique properties which led them in exploitation to diverse applications. Most studies of CNTs in bioscience have focused on their influences in animal and human cells but relatively scant attention has focused on the effect of CNTs in the development of agricultures; plant growth and their influences with plant cells. Recent studies show the penetration of Carbon Nanotubes with plant cells and delivery of necessary elements to plants in support of their growth. The study on the effects of nanoparticles in plant science is a newly emerging area of research and compared to plant cell walls and membranes, the penetration of nanoparticles into seeds is expected to be difficult due to the significantly thick seed coat. This study shows the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in tomato seed germination and their interaction with elements. MWCNTs were used as an additional promoter mixed in a substrate medium and the medium prepared for tomato seedlings were different in each set of experiments. The experiments carried out for samples containing MWCNTs of concentrations 0, 10, 20, 40 and 60 mg/l and germination were carried out for one week, two week and four weeks. The use of MWCNTs were showed higher rate of growth in comparison to the medium containing no MWCNT and the percentage element concentrations transported during germination were analyzed by pEDXRF analytical technique. The samples assisted with MWCNT interact differently for macro/micro elements than those without MWCNT.

Engineering plants with carbon nanotubes: a sustainable agriculture approach

Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Sustainable agriculture is an important conception to meet the growing food demand of the global population. The increased need for adequate and safe food, as well as the ongoing ecological destruction associated with conventional agriculture practices are key global challenges. Nanomaterials are being developed in the agriculture sector to improve the growth and protection of crops. Among the various engineered nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most promising carbon-based nanomaterials owing to their attractive physiochemical properties such as small size, high surface area, and superior mechanical and thermal strength, offering better opportunities for agriculture sector applications. This review provides basic information about CNTs, including their history; classification; and electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, with a focus on their applications in the agriculture field. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the uptake and translocation of CNTs in plant...