Nanomaterials And Nanocomposites Exposures To Plants

This book looks at the interaction between plants and nanomaterials/nanocomposites, and their effects ecology, the food chain and human health. It focuses on nanomaterials/nanocomposites phytotoxicity, which is an important precondition to promote the application of nanotechnology and to avoid the potential ecological risks. It describes the influencing factors of nanotoxicity of nanomaterials and the mechanisms of these toxic effects and defense mechanisms in plants. The chapters in this book are written by internationally renowned researchers and professionals and provides exciting and remarkable information (on the above-mentioned topics) to the scientist, researcher and student working field of plant biology, agricultural science, nanobiotechnology, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant biotechnology and many other interdisciplinary subjects.

The population of the world continues to increase at an alarming rate. The trouble linked with overpopulation ranges from food and water scarcity to inadequacy of space for organisms. Overpopulation is also linked with several other demographic hazards, for instance, population blooming will not only result in exhaustion of natural repositories, but it will also induce intense pressure on the world economy. Today nanotechnology is often discussed as a key discipline of research but it has positive and negative aspects. Also, due to industrialization and ever-increasing population, nano-pollution has been an emerging topic among scientists for investigation and debate. Nanotechnology measures any substance on a macromolecular scale, molecular scale, and even atomic scale. More importantly, nanotechnology deals with the manipulation and control of any matter at the dimension of a single nanometer. Nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) play important roles in sustainable development and environmental challenges as well. NPs possess both harmful and beneficial effects on the environment and its harboring components, such as microbes, plants, and humans. There are many beneficial impacts exerted by nanoparticles, however, including their role in the management of waste water and soil treatment, cosmetics, food packaging, agriculture, biomedicines, pharmaceuticals, renewable energies, and environmental remedies. Conversely, NPs also show some toxic effects on microbes, plants, as well as human beings. It has been reported that use of nanotechnological products leads to the more accumulation of NPs in soil and aquatic ecosystems, which may be detrimental for living organisms. Further, toxic effects of NPs on microbes, invertebrates, and aquatic organisms including algae, has been measured. Scientists have also reported on the negative impact of NPs on plants by discussing the delivery of NPs in plants. Additionally, scientists have also showed that NPs interact with plant cells, which results in alterations in growth, biological function, gene expression, and development. Thus, there has been much investigated and reported on NPs and plant interactions in the last decade. This book discusses the most recent work on NPs and plant interaction, which should be useful for scientists working in nanotechnology across a wide variety of disciplines.

Plant Exposure to Engineered Nanoparticles: Uptake, Transformation, Molecular and Physiological Responses discusses the long-term exposure of plants, including agronomic crops, to nanomaterials in terrestrial environments. Chapters discuss changes in metabolite profiles in plants exposed to engineered nanomaterials, as well as modifications in elemental content of edible portions of plants. Biochemical pathways, root profiles, generational exposure, and biomass productivity are also analyzed in detail. Subsequent chapters cover risks to trophic transfer, as well as human health and ecological functions, before concluding with future approaches to plant-nanomaterial research. The book covers important aspects of the interactions between plant and nanomaterials and will be a valuable resource to scientists and researchers in plant physiology, nanotechnology, agronomy and environmental science. Analyzes research on environmental and ecological implications of nanomaterials in plants Includes the latest information on toxicity and human exposure Reviews modifications and alterations in plant expressions and biochemical pathways

This book discusses the latest developments in plant-mediated fabrication of metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, and their characterization by using a variety of modern techniques. It explores in detail the application of nanoparticles in drug delivery, cancer treatment, catalysis, and as antimicrobial agent, antioxidant and the promoter of plant production and protection. Application of these nanoparticles in plant systems has started only recently and information is still scanty about their possible effects on plant growth and development. Accumulation and translocation of nanoparticles in plants, and the consequent growth response and stress modulation are not well understood. Plants exposed to these particles exhibit both positive and negative effects, depending on the concentration, size, and shape of the nanoparticles. The impact on plant growth and yield is often positive at lower concentrations and negative at higher ones. Exposure to some nanoparticles may improve the free-radical scavenging potential and antioxidant enzymatic activities in plants and alter the micro-RNAs expression that regulate the different morphological, physiological and metabolic processes in plant system, leading to improved plant growth and yields. The nanoparticles also carry out genetic reforms by efficient transfer of DNA or complete plastid genome into the respective plant genome due to their miniscule size and improved site-specific penetration. Moreover, controlled application of nanomaterials in the form of nanofertilizer offers a more synchronized nutrient fluidity with the uptake by the plant exposed, ensuring an increased nutrient availability. This book addresses these issues and many more. It covers fabrication of different/specific nanomaterials and their wide-range application in agriculture sector, encompassing the controlled release of nutrients, nutrient-use efficiency, genetic exchange, production of secondary metabolites, defense mechanisms, and the growth and productivity of plants exposed to different manufactured nanomaterials. The role of nanofertilizers and nano-biosensors for improving plant production and protection and the possible toxicities caused by certain nanomaterials, the aspects that are little explored by now, have also been generously elucidated.

Discover the role of nanotechnology in promoting plant growth and protection through the management of microbial pathogens In Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection, distinguished researcher and author Dr. Avinash P. Ingle delivers a rigorous and insightful collection of some of the latest developments in nanotechnology particularly related to plant growth promotion and protection. The book focuses broadly on the role played by nanotechnology in growth promotion of plants and their protection through the management of different microbial pathogens. You’ll learn about a wide variety of topics, including the role of nanomaterials in sustainable agriculture, how nano-fertilizers behave as soil feed, and the dual role of nanoparticles in plant growth promotion and phytopathogen management. You’ll also discover why nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the current agricultural landscape through the development of nano-based products, like plant growth promoters, nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-insecticides. Find out why nano-based products promise to be a cost-effective, economically viable, and eco-friendly approach to tackling some of the most intractable problems in agriculture today. You’ll also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the prospects and impacts of using nanotechnology to promote the growth of plants and control plant diseases An exploration of the effects of titanium dioxide nanomaterials on plant growth and the emerging applications of zinc-based nanoparticles in plant growth promotion Practical discussions of nano-fertilizer in enhancing the production potentials of crops and the potential applications of nanotechnology in plant nutrition and protection for sustainable agriculture A concise treatment of nanotechnology in seed science and soil feed Toxicological concerns of nanomaterials used in agriculture Perfect for undergraduate, graduate, and research students of nanotechnology, agriculture, plant science, plant physiology, and crops, Nanotechnology in Plant Growth Promotion and Protection will also earn a place in the libraries of professors and researchers in these areas, as well as regulators and policymakers.

Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Plants: An Evaluation of Cyto/Morpho-physiological, Biochemical and Molecular Responses, Volume Five in the Nanomaterial-Plant Interactions series, reviews the latest research on toxicological effects of using nanotechnology in plants. Key themes include analyzing plant exposure to nanomaterials, mechanisms of toxicity of nanoparticles to plants, and effects, uptake and translocation of various different nanoparticles. This will be an essential read for any scientist or researcher looking to assess and understand the potential toxicological risks associated with plant nanotechnology. To date, nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising areas of research due to the widespread applications of nanomaterials in plant science and agriculture. However, extensive use of nano-based products raises concerns regarding their toxicity in crop plants, their environmental impact and potential consequences to humans via the food chain. Discusses environmental concerns raised by the extensive use of nanotechnology Highlights the impact of plants treated with nanoparticles on nutritional status Reviews major challenges for assessing the toxicity of nanomaterials in plants

Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials in the Environment provide a new, holistic framework for testing and evaluating the potential benefits and risks of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), including their potential socioeconomic impacts, ethical issues and consumers’ expectations and fears. The book covers nanomaterial presence in various environments, agroecosystems and other areas within the human sphere of actions. The book includes sections on (i) Chemical, physical and biological properties, (ii) Presence and diffusion of ENMs in human environments, agriculture, food and drug products, (iii) ENMs as a pillar in biological and medical research, and (iv) Social and regulatory issues emerging from years of application. The book is designed to increase awareness to key end-users and stakeholders, including food producers and processors, industry, representatives of society and consumers, and those looking to implement an accurate and effective risk analysis procedure that promotes the sustainable use of nanotechnology. Assesses both the positive and negative impacts of engineered nanomaterials in the environment Shows how engineered nanomaterials are used in agricultural environments, food products, drugs and cosmetics Discusses the unique properties of a range of engineered nanomaterials that lead to their environmental effects