Nanoparticles of Different Nature in Plant Biotechnology: Effectiveness, Safety, and Prospects of Application - Cytology and Genetics

Abstract Data on the biological activity of nanoparticles of various natures—metallic (Ag, Cu, Zn, Ti), silicon (Si), and carbon nanomaterials—on plants are summarized. Their influence on the growth, development, and resistance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels is considered. Special attention is paid to nanoparticles obtained by “green” synthesis, which are characterized by high bioactivity, biocompatibility, stability, and environmental safety. The physiological and biochemical effects of the action of nanoparticles are analyzed, in particular their influence on seed germination, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant system, expression of stress-induced genes, etc. It has been demonstrated that biosynthesized nanoparticles cause a positive effect without toxicity in most cases, while chemically synthesized analogues can cause significant negative changes in plants. The advantages of biosynthesized nanoparticles are emphasized: their high level of environmental safety, fungicidal, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. The need for further research to optimize dosage, methods of application, and assessment of long-term effects of nanomaterials, taking into account the balance between efficiency and environmental safety, is emphasized. The obtained results demonstrate the prospects for the use of nanomaterials in cell biology, physiology, and biotechnology of plants.