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The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism,...
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The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Development and Morphogenesis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2026) | Viewed by 16090

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Iyyakkannu Sivanesan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Health Science, Human and Eco Care Center, Konkuk University, 1, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
Interests: plant tissue culture; secondary metabolites; hydroponics; environmental protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology involves the study and manipulation of materials at length scales below 100 nm. Nanomaterials (NMs) are widely used in the agricultural, biomedical, and industrial fields due to their unique physicochemical properties. We are in the midst of an uncontrollable nano-boom that has produced a wealth of positive changes. However, this technology generates a persistent form of pollution that is too small to detect or contain easily. NMs can enter the environment via the air, soil, and water. The external environment often influences the development of plants, as NMs in the natural environment may enter plant tissues and affect plant growth. The interactions between NMs and plants are yet to be fully understood. Thus, it is essential that we develop an understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of NMs in plants. This Special Issue welcomes original research or review articles focused on the impacts of NMs on seed germination, plant biomass, genetic modification, protection and yield, and the production of bioactive compounds.

Dr. Iyyakkannu Sivanesan
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Plants 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 2700 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

  • nanoparticles
  • bioactive metabolites
  • nanofertilizers
  • genetic transformation
  • plant disease control
  • plant growth
  • nanopesticides
  • nanotoxicity

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 9536 KB  
Article
Polysaccharide-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles Derived from Phellinus igniarius Regulate Growth and Metabolic Reprogramming in Rice
by Qingpan Bu, Ping Li, Haiyuyan Yang, Xiaodan Wang, Yinghui Gu, Lihui Zhang and Kai Song
Plants 2026, 15(4), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15040632 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 581
Abstract
To address the instability of conventional selenium fertilizers, we developed Phellinus igniarius polysaccharide-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (SH-SeNPs). These ~90 nm nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability and enhanced antioxidant capacity compared with native polysaccharides. Foliar application significantly promoted the early growth and biomass of rice without [...] Read more.
To address the instability of conventional selenium fertilizers, we developed Phellinus igniarius polysaccharide-stabilized selenium nanoparticles (SH-SeNPs). These ~90 nm nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability and enhanced antioxidant capacity compared with native polysaccharides. Foliar application significantly promoted the early growth and biomass of rice without inducing oxidative stress. Specifically, treatment with 5 mg/L SH-SeNPs increased the root length from 5.22 ± 0.78 cm (control) to 5.91 ± 0.50 cm, while the 45 mg/L treatment increased the shoot length from 1.63 ± 0.27 to 1.89 ± 0.35 cm during germination. Mechanistically, SH-SeNPs maintained redox homeostasis through selective enzymatic regulation. Metabolomic analysis indicated a potential strategic metabolic reprogramming: SH-SeNPs appeared to induce the diversion of carbon–nitrogen flux from free amino acids toward the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways. This proposed “efficient defense–robust growth” balance suggests that SH-SeNPs may act not merely as a nutrient source but also as a metabolic regulator. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms through which polysaccharide-stabilized SeNPs regulate growth and metabolism in rice during early growth stages, highlighting their potential as nano-biostimulants for seedling establishment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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21 pages, 2247 KB  
Article
Influence of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Vegetative Growth and Concentrations of Nutrients and Phytohormones in Tomato
by Gabriela Abigail Guzmán-Báez, Libia I. Trejo-Téllez, Diego E. Navarro-López, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez and Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino
Plants 2026, 15(3), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030405 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 770
Abstract
This study examined the effects of applying silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0, 5 and 10 mg L−1) in a hydroponic system for seven days on growth parameters and on nutrient and phytohormone concentrations in two tomato cultivars, Vengador and Rio Grande. The [...] Read more.
This study examined the effects of applying silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0, 5 and 10 mg L−1) in a hydroponic system for seven days on growth parameters and on nutrient and phytohormone concentrations in two tomato cultivars, Vengador and Rio Grande. The results indicated that AgNPs at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg L−1 did not change leaf number, stem length, or fresh/dry biomass weight. In leaves of Vengador, P and K concentrations decreased, while Mg and S increased in response to AgNPs. In stems and roots, both P and K decreased. Zn concentrations increased in leaves, Mn in stems and roots. In leaves of Rio Grande, K, Mg, S, Cu and Mn concentrations increased, while P decreased in AgNP-treated plants, as compared to the control. In stems, N, S and Mn concentrations increased, but P, K, Ca, Mg and B decreased. In roots, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn and B decreased, whereas S increased. Silver was only detected in roots of plants treated with AgNPs in both cultivars under study. In leaves of Rio Grande plants, kinetin concentrations decreased with AgNPs applications. In roots of Vengador, indole-acetic acid concentrations increased with 10 mg AgNP L−1; in Rio Grande, roots exhibited an increased concentration of gibberellic acid and abscisic acid in plants exposed to 5 mg AgNP L−1. The evidence retrieved from this work unveils the impact of metal-based NMs on the modulation of nutrient and phytohormone concentrations in a so important food crop such as tomato. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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18 pages, 3222 KB  
Article
Effects of Functionalized Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticle Suspensions on Seed Morphology and Physiology in Yellow Maize and Chili Pepper
by Álvaro Velásquez, Jeaneth Urquijo, Yessica Montoya, Danna Susunaga and Diego Villanueva
Plants 2025, 14(23), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233592 - 25 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 651
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of suspensions of magnetite–maghemite nanocomposites functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphate groups on morpho-anatomical and physiological traits of yellow maize (Zea mays) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) seeds. A phytotoxicity assay was first conducted by [...] Read more.
We evaluated the effects of suspensions of magnetite–maghemite nanocomposites functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphate groups on morpho-anatomical and physiological traits of yellow maize (Zea mays) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) seeds. A phytotoxicity assay was first conducted by applying aqueous suspensions of these nanocomposites to maize seeds at iron concentrations up to 100 ppm, using deionized water as the control under humid chamber conditions. After incubation, seeds treated with concentrations above 100 ppm exhibited reductions in biomass and root length compared with the control, suggesting phytotoxicity at high levels. Based on these results, suspensions containing 25, 35, and 45 ppm of iron, with corresponding phosphorus concentrations of 2.9, 4.0, and 5.2 ppm, were selected for a second in vitro assay using both maize and chili seeds. No statistically significant differences between treatments and control were detected for the variables measured. Germinated seeds from this assay were further evaluated under greenhouse conditions, where measured parameters also showed no significant differences between treatments and control in either crop. Overall, the findings indicate that aqueous suspensions of magnetite–maghemite nanocomposites with iron concentrations below 100 ppm do not produce phytotoxic effects on seed germination or morpho-anatomical and physiological traits measured. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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18 pages, 1180 KB  
Article
Sex-Related Differences in Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Populus nigra to Bifunctionalized Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Ions Exposure In Vitro
by Valentina Iori, Davide Gentile, Barbara Casentini, Lorenzo Camoni, Anna Fiorillo, Elena Kuzminsky, Iole Venditti and Maria Adelaide Iannelli
Plants 2025, 14(23), 3560; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233560 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 912
Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess the sex-related responses to AgNPs stabilized with citrate (Cit) and glutathione (GSH), relative to silver ions supplied as AgNO3 in black poplar (Populus nigra L.), a dioecious, woody model species. The impact of [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to assess the sex-related responses to AgNPs stabilized with citrate (Cit) and glutathione (GSH), relative to silver ions supplied as AgNO3 in black poplar (Populus nigra L.), a dioecious, woody model species. The impact of the AgNPs-cit-GSH on male and female clones was evaluated by measuring key parameters of oxidative stress. The results showed that exposure to nanosilver resulted in lower Ag accumulation and reduced MDA levels in both genders compared to AgNO3. The female clone exhibited a dose-dependent response, characterized by an increase in dry weight (DW), along with a reduction in nutrient uptake, protein content, and ATPase activity, as well as an upregulation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity compared to the control. The male clone displayed a specific treatment response. Exposure to AgNPs-cit-GSH caused a decrease in DW, water content, and nutrient uptake, accompanied by a rise in protein content as well as GST activity. In AgNO3-treated male cells, the increase in Ag content and MDA levels corresponded to a decrease in DW and a rise in protein, Cu, and Ca content. These findings offer valuable insights into sexual dimorphism in dioecious woody plants, a topic that has been largely understudied yet is critical for sustainable resource management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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Review

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25 pages, 1658 KB  
Review
Biogenic Approaches to Metal Nanoparticle Synthesis and Their Application in Biotechnology
by Yulia Yugay and Yury Shkryl
Plants 2026, 15(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020183 - 7 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1205
Abstract
Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through biologically mediated reduction of metal ions using biomolecules derived from microorganisms, algae, or plants are attracting growing attention in plant biotechnology due to their multifunctional properties and environmental advantages compared with conventional physicochemical synthesis. This [...] Read more.
Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through biologically mediated reduction of metal ions using biomolecules derived from microorganisms, algae, or plants are attracting growing attention in plant biotechnology due to their multifunctional properties and environmental advantages compared with conventional physicochemical synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of biological approaches for NP production using bacteria, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, whole plants, and in vitro plant cell cultures. The main biosynthetic mechanisms, types of reducing and capping metabolites, metal specificity, and typical NP characteristics are described for each system, with emphasis on their relative productivity, scalability, reproducibility, and biosafety. Special consideration is given to plant cell and tissue cultures as highly promising platforms that combine the metabolite diversity of whole plants with precise control over growth conditions and NP parameters. Recent advances highlight the significance of bioengineering of reductive capacity as a novel strategy to enhance the efficiency and controllability of NP biosynthesis. Since NP formation is driven by key biomolecules, targeted modification of biosynthetic pathways through metabolic and genetic engineering can substantially increase NP yield and allow fine-tuning of their structural and functional properties. The applications of biogenic NPs in plant biotechnology are systematically evaluated, including their use as environmentally safe disinfectants for explants and seed sterilization, modulators of callus induction and morphogenesis, and abiotic elicitors that enhance the accumulation of economically valuable secondary metabolites. Remaining challenges, such as variability in NP characteristics, limited scalability, and insufficient data on phytotoxicity and environmental safety, are discussed to outline future research priorities. The synthesis–function relationships highlighted here provide a foundation for developing sustainable NP-based technologies in modern agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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29 pages, 2445 KB  
Review
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle: A Comprehensive Review on Synthesis, Applications and Toxicity
by Rakhi Chandoliya, Shivika Sharma, Vikas Sharma, Rohit Joshi and Iyyakkannu Sivanesan
Plants 2024, 13(21), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13212964 - 23 Oct 2024
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 11017
Abstract
Nanotechnology has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one type of nanoparticle that is commonly utilised in everyday use and can be synthesized by different techniques using physical, chemical and biological extracts. Green [...] Read more.
Nanotechnology has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are one type of nanoparticle that is commonly utilised in everyday use and can be synthesized by different techniques using physical, chemical and biological extracts. Green synthesis is an economical, environmentally benign and non-toxic method of synthesising nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have a positive impact on plant physiology, particularly in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, depending on various factors like size, concentration, exposure of the nanoparticles and other variables. Further, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have many applications, such as being used as nano-fertilizers, adsorption of heavy metal from industrial wastewater and antimicrobial activity, as discussed in this review paper. Previous studies investigated whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles also induce genotoxicity may be due to mishandling procedure, exposure time, size, concentration and other variables. This is still contradictory and requires more research. The present review is a pragmatic approach to summarize the synthesis, application, nanotoxicity, genotoxicity and eco-friendly method of nanoparticle synthesis and disposable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Nanomaterials on Plant Growth, Development and Metabolism, Third Edition)
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