Nanotechnology applications in plant tissue culture and molecular genetics: A holistic approach

Abstract

: Nanotechnology is one of the most important modern sciences that has integrated all sectors of science. Nanotechnology has been applied in the agricultural sector in the last ten years in pursuit of increasing agricultural production and ensuring food security. Plant biotechnology is an essential science that is concerned with plant production. The use of nanotechnology in plant biotechnology under controlled conditions has facilitated the understanding of important internal mechanisms of the plant biological system. The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in plant biotechnology has demonstrated an interesting impact on in vitro plant growth and development. This includes the positive effect of the NPs on micropropagation, callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, cell suspension culture, and plant disinfection. In addition, other biotechnology processes, including the genetic transformation of plants, plant conservation, and secondary metabolite production have improved by the use of NPs. Furthermore, nanotechnology is used to improve plant tolerance to different stress conditions that limit plant production. In this review article, we attempt to consolidate the achievements of nanotechnology and plant biotechnology and discuss advances in the applications of nanotechnology in plant biotechnology. It has been concluded that more research is needed to understand the mechanism of nanoparticle delivery and translocation in plants in order to avoid any future hazardous effects of nanomaterials. This will be key to the achievement of magnificent progress in plant nanobiotechnology.