Mesoporous silica nanoparticle-induced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana grown under in vitro conditions

Abstract

Nanoparticles of varying formats and functionalities have been shown to modify and enhance plant growth and development. Nanoparticles may also be used to improve crop production and performance, particularly under adverse environmental conditions such as drought. Nanoparticles composed of silicon dioxide, especially those that are mesoporous (mesoporous silica nanoparticles; MSNs), have been shown to be taken up by plants; yet their potential to improve tolerance to abiotic stress has not been thoroughly examined. In this study, a range of concentrations of MSNs (0–5000 mg L−1) were used to determine their effects, in vitro, on Arabidopsis plants grown under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought conditions. Treatment of seeds with MSNs during PEG-simulated drought resulted in higher seed germination and then greater primary root length. However, at the highest tested concentration of 5000 mg L−1, reduced germination was found when seeds were subjected to drought stress. At the optimal concentration of 1500 mg L−1, plants treated with MSNs under non-stressed conditions showed significant increases in root length, number of lateral roots, leaf area and shoot biomass. These findings suggest that MSNs can be used to stimulate plant growth and drought stress tolerance.