Uptake, accumulation, toxicity, and interaction of metallic-based nanoparticles with plants: current challenges and future perspectives

The rapid development of industrialization is causing several fundamental problems in plants due to the interaction between plants and soil contaminated with metallic nanoparticles (NPs). Numerous investigations have been conducted to address the severe toxic effects caused by nanoparticles in the past few decades. Based on the composition, size, concentration, physical and chemical characteristics of metallic NPs, and plant types, it enhances or lessens the plant growth at various developmental stages. Metallic NPs are uptaken by plant roots and translocated toward shoots via vascular system based on composition, size, shape as well as plant anatomy and cause austere phytotoxicity. Herein, we tried to summarize the toxicity induced by the uptake and accumulation of NPs in plants and also we explored the detoxification mechanism of metallic NPs adopted by plants via using different phytohormones, signaling molecules, and phytochelatins. This study was intended to be an unambiguous assessment including current knowledge on NPs uptake, accumulation, and translocation in higher plants. Furthermore, it will also provide sufficient knowledge to the scientific community to understand the metallic NPs-induced inhibitory effects and mechanisms involved within plants.

Automated summary

The rapid development of industrialization is causing fundamental problems in plants due to the interaction between plants and soil contaminated with metallic nanoparticles. Numerous investigations have addressed the severe toxic effects caused by nanoparticles. Metallic nanoparticles can enhance or inhibit plant growth at various stages based on their composition, size, concentration, and physical and chemical characteristics, as well as the type of plant. They are taken up by plant roots and translocated to shoots through the vascular system, causing severe phytotoxicity. This study aims to provide an unambiguous assessment of current knowledge on nanoparticle uptake, accumulation, and translocation in higher plants, and to understand the inhibitory effects and mechanisms involved in metallic nanoparticle toxicity.