Nanoparticle innovations for mitigating metal toxicity in plants

Abstract

Various environmental stressors, such as salinity, heat, drought, and metals, present significant obstacles to crop productivity. This study delves into the adverse effects of metals, specifically focusing on cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) on plants. It explores the sources of these metals, examining both natural occurrences and human-induced activities, and investigates the mechanisms through which plants absorb them. Metal pollution, in particular, negatively affects plant and microbiome well-being, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that harm essential macromolecules. Traditional stress-resistant plant varieties necessitate substantial development, leading to the exploration of innovative approaches like nanotechnology. This examination underscores the diverse applications of nanoparticles (NPs), such as titanium oxide, copper oxide, zinc oxide, etc., in alleviating metal stress and improving crop resilience. Nanoparticles possess advantageous characteristics, including increased reactivity, small size, and efficient transport within plants. The earlier information underscores the influence of nanoparticles on morpho-physiological and biochemical traits of plants, addressing the limited information in this field, especially under metal toxicity. Mechanisms of NP action encompass chelation, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and the formation of complexes, presenting promising avenues for sustainable agriculture and enhanced food productivity. Future perspectives in nanoparticle strategies for metal toxicity emphasize tailored formulations and long-term ecological studies. Integration with precision agriculture and genetic engineering offers synergies, highlighting collaborative efforts and global cooperation for practical adoption.