The Impact of Nanomaterials on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Gramineae Plants: Research Progress and Future Prospects

Abstract

As global food security faces challenges, enhancing crop yield and stress resistance becomes imperative. This study comprehensively explores the impact of nanomaterials (NMs) on Gramineae plants, with a focus on the effects of various types of nanoparticles, such as iron-based, titanium-containing, zinc, and copper nanoparticles, on plant photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that the effects of nanoparticles largely depend on their chemical properties, particle size, concentration, and the species and developmental stage of the plant. Under appropriate conditions, specific NMs can promote the root development of Gramineae plants, enhance photosynthesis, and increase chlorophyll content. Notably, iron-based and titanium-containing nanoparticles show significant effects in promoting chlorophyll synthesis and plant growth. However, the impact of nanoparticles on oxidative stress is complex. Under certain conditions, nanoparticles can enhance plants' antioxidant enzyme activity, improving their ability to withstand environmental stresses; excessive or inappropriate NMs may cause oxidative stress, affecting plant growth and development. Copper nanoparticles, in particular, exhibit this dual nature, being beneficial at low concentrations but potentially harmful at high concentrations. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of nanofertilizers aimed at precisely targeting Gramineae plants to enhance their antioxidant stress capacity and improve photosynthesis efficiency. We emphasize the importance of balancing the agricultural advantages of nanotechnology with environmental safety in practical applications. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between more NMs and plants and explore strategies to reduce potential environmental impacts to ensure the health and sustainability of the ecosystem while enhancing the yield and quality of Gramineae crops.

Keywords: Gramineae plants; chlorophyll; nanomaterials; oxidative stress; photosynthesis.

Figure 1

Signal transduction pathways in Gramineae plants influenced by NMs [3].

Figure 2

Impact of CNMs on plant photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme systems [15].

Figure 3

Factors influencing absorption, uptake, transport, and penetration of nanoparticles in plants. (A) Nanoparticle traits affect how they are taken up and translocated in the plant, as well as the application method. (B) In the soil, nanoparticles can interact with microorganisms and compounds, which might facilitate or hamper their absorption. Several tissues (epidermis, endodermis, etc.) and barriers (Casparian strip, cuticle, etc.) must be crossed before reaching the vascular tissues, depending on the entry point (roots or leaves). (C) NMs can follow the apoplastic and/or the symplastic pathways for moving up and down the plant and adradial movement for changing from one pathway to the other. (D) Several mechanisms have been proposed for the internalization of nanoparticles inside cells, such as endocytosis and pore formation, mediated by carrier proteins and plasmodesmata [45].

Figure 4

Effects of MNPs on plant growth and yield [48].

Figure 5

Absorption and response of plants to iron-based nanoparticles [59].

Figure 6

Positive and negative impacts of NMs on physiological processes throughout the plant lifecycle [104].

Figure 7

Transformation of ENMs in plants and microbes [109].