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Nanomaterials
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Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants
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Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 12 September 2025 | Viewed by 4549

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Xiang Zhao

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Guest Editor
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: nanobiotechnology; nanomaterials; agricultural biotechnology; nanodelivery systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Haixin Cui

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: nanobiotechnology; agricultural biotechnology; nanopesticide; nanofertilizer; nanovaccine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of nanobiotechnology provides new ideas for plant science, including growth improvement, plant protection, gene modification, etc. Nanomaterials and nanoparticles exhibit great potential as targeted delivery systems for agricultural chemicals, bioactive compounds, and vital genes, as well as functioning as nutritional supplements or growth regulators for plants. However, a complete understanding of the interplay between nanomaterials and plants remains unclear. The complex mechanisms of the plant– nanomaterial interaction depend on several parameters, such as the properties of nanoparticles, host plants, uptake route, and exposure time and dosage. Moreover, the positive and negative effects of nanomaterials on plants still require deeper study.

This Special Issue aims to summarize the recent topical results in the plant– nanomaterial interaction, with a particular focus on the dynamics and mechanism of nanoparticles in plants, the application of nanomaterials in plants for benefits, the biological effect and impact on plants, and innovative approaches and tools for plant detection.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, communications, and reviews are welcome. We are pleased to invite you to contribute your findings and insights regarding advancements, challenges, and potential solutions related to the interplay between nanomaterials and plants. We encourage authors to submit papers on fundamental aspects, experimental investigations, and theoretical analyses. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Nano-delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, nuclear acids, and biomolecules in plants;
  • Applications of nanomaterials for plant stress tolerance, yield elevation, growth regulation, insect resistance, etc.
  • Mechanisms of uptake, transport, fate, and transformation of nanoparticles in plants;
  • Implications of nanomaterials taken up by plants;
  • Bioaccumulation, biomagnification, biotransformation behavior, and toxicity of nanomaterials in plants and the environment;
  • Innovative approaches and tools for plant–nanomaterial interaction detection.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Xiang Zhao
Prof. Dr. Haixin Cui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nano agrochemicals
  • nanopesticides
  • nanofertilizers
  • gene modification
  • nanodelivery
  • plant growth
  • plant absorption
  • uptake and transfer
  • conduction behavior
  • plant–nanomaterial interaction

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4489 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of a Novel Solid Nano-Dispersion of Emamectin Benzoate with High Dispersibility and Wettability
by Ying Li, Qing Wang, Junqian Pan, Xiang Zhao, Jinghui Zhan, Xinglong Xu, Meng Zhang, Chunxin Wang and Haixin Cui
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070495 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
Pesticides, as an indispensable component in agricultural production, play a crucial role in ensuring global food security. However, the low efficiency of pesticide utilization remains a significant challenge. The key method of improving the effective utilization rate of pesticides is mainly to enhance [...] Read more.
Pesticides, as an indispensable component in agricultural production, play a crucial role in ensuring global food security. However, the low efficiency of pesticide utilization remains a significant challenge. The key method of improving the effective utilization rate of pesticides is mainly to enhance the affinity between pesticides and leaf surfaces while improving their deposition and adhesion properties. In this study, we utilized PEG 4000 as a carrier and emulsifier 600 and emulsifiers 700 as surfactants to prepare solid nano-dispersion of emamectin benzoate (SND-EB) by the melting method. SND-EB particles were spherical with an average diameter of 17 nm, a loading capacity of up to 50%, and excellent dispersibility. Contact angle and bouncing behavior tests on cabbage and pepper leaves demonstrated that SND-EB had superior wetting properties and spreading capabilities. Surface tension and leaf retention measurements further confirmed that SND-EB possessed excellent adhesion and leaf affinity. The SND-EB showed a 1.8-fold increase in biological activity against Spodoptera exigua compared to commercial emamectin benzoate water-dispersible granule (WDG-EB). In addition, the fabricated nanoparticles exerted no toxic effect on HepG2 cells. These results demonstrated that a 50% content of SND-EB exhibited excellent water dispersity, wettability, and insecticidal activity, providing a novel and efficient strategy for pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants)
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13 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Effects of Foliar Application of Copper and Gold Nanoparticles on Petroselinum crispum (Mill.)
by Alexandra Peshkova, Inga Zinicovscaia, Ludmila Rudi, Tatiana Chiriac, Nikita Yushin and Liliana Cepoi
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040280 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 847
Abstract
The unintentional release of nanoparticles in the atmosphere and their targeted application to improve plant productivity requires detailed study. The translocation features of copper and gold nanoparticles applied by spraying in the concentration range of 1–100 mg/L in Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) tissues during [...] Read more.
The unintentional release of nanoparticles in the atmosphere and their targeted application to improve plant productivity requires detailed study. The translocation features of copper and gold nanoparticles applied by spraying in the concentration range of 1–100 mg/L in Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) tissues during a 10-day experiment were investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy showed that copper and gold nanoparticles applied to the leaves’ surface could accumulate in plant organs. A dose-dependent increase in the content of copper and gold in the aerial parts of parsley was revealed. The content of copper in leaves treated with nanoparticles was 1–2.3 times higher than the control, while the content of gold exceeded control values 2–116 times. The effect of nanoparticles on plants’ biochemical composition was assessed. The antioxidant tests showed an ambiguous response at exposure to metal nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles at the applied concentration consistently reduced both chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Gold nanoparticles enhanced the chlorophyll and carotenoid level at low concentrations (1 mg/L) and significantly inhibited it at higher concentrations. The parsley exposed to nano-copper remained safe for human consumption, but parsley containing more than 14.9 mg/kg of gold may adversely affect human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants)
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17 pages, 3144 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Potential of Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot in Mung Bean
by Zill-e-Huma Aftab, Faisal Shafiq Mirza, Tehmina Anjum, Humaira Rizwana, Waheed Akram, Muzamil Aftab, Muhammad Danish Ali and Guihua Li
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020143 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1151
Abstract
Agricultural growers worldwide face significant challenges in promoting plant growth. This research introduces a green strategy utilizing nanomaterials to enhance crop production. While high concentrations of nanomaterials are known to be hazardous to plants, this study demonstrates that low doses of biologically synthesized [...] Read more.
Agricultural growers worldwide face significant challenges in promoting plant growth. This research introduces a green strategy utilizing nanomaterials to enhance crop production. While high concentrations of nanomaterials are known to be hazardous to plants, this study demonstrates that low doses of biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can serve as an effective regulatory tool to boost plant growth. These nanoparticles were produced using Nigella sativa seed extract and characterized through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal properties of ZnO NPs were evaluated against Cercospora canescens, the causative agent of Cercospora leaf spot in mung bean. Application of ZnO NPs significantly improved plant metrics, including shoot, root, pod, leaf, and root nodule counts, as well as plant length, fresh weight, and dry weight—all indicators of healthy growth. Moreover, low-dose ZnO NPs positively influenced enzymatic activity, physicochemical properties, and photosynthetic parameters. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized ZnO NPs offer a promising approach for enhancing crop yield and accelerating plant growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants)
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Review

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19 pages, 3655 KiB  
Review
Interactions Between Nanoparticles and Tomato Plants: Influencing Host Physiology and the Tomato Leafminer’s Molecular Response
by Inzamam Ul Haq, Xiangyun Cai, Habib Ali, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Moazam Hyder and Youming Hou
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221788 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1720
Abstract
Tomatoes are a crucial global crop, impacting economies and livelihoods worldwide. However, pests like the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) significantly reduce their yield potential. Nanoparticles come as a solution to this context, promising innovative strategies for the protection of plants from [...] Read more.
Tomatoes are a crucial global crop, impacting economies and livelihoods worldwide. However, pests like the tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta) significantly reduce their yield potential. Nanoparticles come as a solution to this context, promising innovative strategies for the protection of plants from pest infestation and management. Nanoparticles have shown great potential to improve tomato plant resistance against pests and diseases because of their unique properties. They enhance plant physiological processes like photosynthesis and nutrient uptake while activating defense-related molecular pathways. Nanoparticles also directly impact the life cycle and behavioral patterns of pests such as the tomato leafminer, reducing their destructive nature. The dual benefits of nanoparticles for enhancing plants’ health and managing pests effectively provide a two-way innovative approach in agriculture. Gains made with such technology not only include increasing crop productivity and reducing crop losses but also reducing the heavy dependence on chemical pesticides, many of which have been attributed to environmental hazards. The current study illustrates the broader implications of nanoparticle use in agriculture, which is a sustainable pathway to increase crop resilience and productivity while reducing the impact of pests. Such novel approaches underline the need for continued interdisciplinary research to exploit the potential of nanotechnology in sustainable agricultural practices fully. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay between Nanomaterials and Plants)
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