,
Babur Ali Akbar*,
Nimra Shehzadi,
Nadia Iqbal,
Muhammad Zeeshan Mushtaq,
Sana Rouf,
Ahmad Jawad
The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges in meeting the projected food demand of 9.7 billion people by 2050, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and temperature extremes. Nanobiotechnology, the synergistic integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers transformative solutions in plant genetic engineering to enhance agricultural sustainability and ensure food security. Nanobiotechnology exploits the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, enabling the precise delivery of genetic materials, advanced gene editing, and real-time monitoring of cellular processes. Innovative nanoparticle-mediated methods facilitate the transfer of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules into plant cells, overcoming the limitations of conventional genetic transformation methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene gun technologies. For example, magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes have shown promise in genotype-independent genetic material delivery and efficient transgene expression. This review highlights groundbreaking applications of nanobiotechnology, including enhanced delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components for accurate gene editing, nanoscale sensors for intracellular process monitoring, and the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for stable gene silencing. Despite these advancements, barriers such as nanoparticle biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and scalability in agricultural systems must be addressed. Regulatory frameworks ensuring the safe adoption of nanomaterials in agricultural practices are equally critical. Nanobiotechnology holds the potential to revolutionize plant genetic engineering by enabling precise trait manipulation, increased crop resilience, and reduced environmental impact. Leveraging these advancements can foster sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the challenges posed by global food demands and climate change.
| Published in | Journal of Plant Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 2) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13 |
| Page(s) | 38-58 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Nanobiotechnology, Plant Genetic Engineering, Nanoparticle-Mediated Transformation, Crispr/Cas9, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change Mitigation
| [1] | Hassan, N., F. J. I. J. o. A. M. L. Siddiqui, and C. Intelligence, Merging Nanotechnology and Biotechnology: Transforming Plant Sciences with Nanobiotechnological Innovations. 2024. 14(3): p. 1-19. |
| [2] | Mariyam, S., et al., Nanotechnology, a frontier in agricultural science, a novel approach in abiotic stress management and convergence with new age medicine-A review. Sci Total Environ, 2024. 912: p. 169097 |
| [3] | Fashola, M. O., et al., Application of Nanobiotechnology in Agri-Food Sector: A Promising Technique in Food Safety. 2021: p. 739-761. |
| [4] | Mahesha, K., et al., Unleashing the Potential of Nanotechnology in Agriculture. 2023. 97. |
| [5] | Shukla, K., et al., Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: A double‐edged sword. J Sci Food Agric, 2024. 104(10): p. 5675-5688 |
| [6] | Srivastava, S. and A. Bhargava, Green nanoparticles: the future of nanobiotechnology. 2022: Springer. |
| [7] | Rautela, I., et al., Current scenario and future perspectives of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture and food production. 2021. 22: p. 99-121. |
| [8] | Saleh, T. A. J. E. T. and Innovation, Nanomaterials: Classification, properties, and environmental toxicities. 2020. 20: p. 101067. |
| [9] | Rind, I. K., et al., Synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles loaded on magnetite nanoparticles modified kaolinite clay (KC) and their efficiency for As (III) adsorption. 2023. 191: p. 523-536. |
| [10] | Pramanik, P., et al., Application of nanotechnology in agriculture. 2020: p. 317-348. |
| [11] | Panda, M. and D. P. J. R. R. Das, Nanotechnology and its applications in agriculture: Overview and future prospects. 2024. 9(1). |
| [12] | Bayda, S., et al., The history of nanoscience and nanotechnology: from chemical–physical applications to nanomedicine. 2019. 25(1): p. 112. |
| [13] | Pisano, R. and A. Durlo, Feynman’s Frameworks on Nanotechnology in Historiographical Debate, in Handbook for the Historiography of Science. 2023, Springer. p. 441-478. |
| [14] | Guin, M., N. J. E. N. Singh, and T. I. o. S. i. t. s. Century, Nanomaterials: Overview and Historical Perspectives. 2023. 135: p. 1-22. |
| [15] | Tariq, L. R., A. M. J. I. J. o. N. Jafaar, and Materials, A Review of Nanotechnology in Self-Healing of Ancient and Heritage Buildings: Heritage buildings, Nanomaterial, Nano architecture, Nanotechnology in construction. 2024. 17(1): p. 153-163. |
| [16] | Rasheed, H. U. J. S. E. A. G. P. o. J. C. and S. S. R. H. S. J. L. Sci, Adaptation and Agricultural Significance of Syzygium cumini L. 2024. 9(5): p. 172-187. |
| [17] | Hulla, J., et al., Nanotechnology: History and future. Hum Exp Toxicol, 2015. 34(12): p. 1318-1321 |
| [18] | Walter, P., et al., Early use of PbS nanotechnology for an ancient hair dyeing formula. Nano Lett, 2006. 6(10): p. 2215-2219 |
| [19] | Johnson-McDaniel, D., et al., Nanoscience of an ancient pigment. J Am Chem Soc, 2013. 135(5): p. 1677-1679 |
| [20] | Sajid, M. and J. J. M. J. Płotka-Wasylka, Nanoparticles: Synthesis, characteristics, and applications in analytical and other sciences. 2020. 154: p. 104623. |
| [21] | Shaheen, I., et al., A review on nanomaterials: Types, synthesis, characterization techniques, properties and applications. 2023. 2(1): p. 56-62. |
| [22] | Bora, S., D. Pooja, and H. Kulhari, Introduction of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, in Nanotechnology Based Delivery of Phytoconstituents and Cosmeceuticals. 2024, Springer. p. 1-38. |
| [23] | Shafiqa, A., A. Abdul Aziz, and B. Mehrdel. Nanoparticle optical properties: size dependence of a single gold spherical nanoparticle. in Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2018. IOP Publishing. |
| [24] | Shrestha, K., S. Kim, and G. Cho, Materials Today Advances. |
| [25] | Wu, Q., et al., Mechanical properties of nanomaterials: A review. 2020. 9(1): p. 259-273. |
| [26] | Mozafari, H. and H. J. S. Hamidinezhad, Exploring the Impact of Catalyst Size and Si Nanoparticle Growth Temperature on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid SiNPs@ epoxy Composite. 2024. 16(2): p. 929-938. |
| [27] | Smith, H. O. and K. J. J. o. m. b. Welcox, A restriction enzyme from Hemophilus influenzae: I. Purification and general properties. J Mol Biol, 1970. 51(2): p. 379-391 |
| [28] | Green, M. R. and J. J. C. S. H. P. Sambrook, Restriction enzymes. Cold Spring Harb Protoc, 2021. 2021(4): p. pdb. top101360 |
| [29] | Alekseeva, I. V. and N. A. J. F. Kuznetsov, Historical Aspects of Restriction Endonucleases as Intelligent Scissors for Genetic Engineering. 2023. 9(10): p. 874. |
| [30] | Gull, I. and G. J. B. -p. Jander, Inoculation of Maize with Sugarcane Mosaic Virus Constructs and Application for RNA Interference in Fall Armyworms. Bio Protoc, 2023. 13(14): p. e4760 |
| [31] | Zobrist, J. D., et al., Transformation of teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) via biolistic bombardment of seedling-derived callus tissues. Front Plant Sci, 2021. 12: p. 773419 |
| [32] | Adachi, K., et al., Site-directed mutagenesis by biolistic transformation efficiently generates inheritable mutations in a targeted locus in soybean somatic embryos and transgene-free descendants in the T 1 generation. Transgenic Res, 2021. 30(1): p. 77-89 |
| [33] | Trick, H. N. and J. J. J. T. R. Finer, SAAT: sonication-assisted Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. 1997. 6: p. 329-336. |
| [34] | Gao, D., et al., Agrobacterium-mediated transfer of the Fusarium graminearum Tri6 gene into barley using mature seed-derived shoot tips as explants. 2024. 43(2): p. 40. |
| [35] | Aleem, S. J. H. S. J. L. S., Advancements in Mutation Breeding in Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) Crop Improvement: A Comprehensive Review of Radiation and Chemical Induced Mutagenesis Studies. 2024. 9(5): p. 158-171. |
| [36] | Keshavareddy, G., A. Kumar, and V. S. J. I. J. C. M. A. S. Ramu, Methods of plant transformation-a review. 2018. 7(7): p. 2656-2668. |
| [37] | Su, W., et al., Technological development and application of plant genetic transformation. Int J Mol Sci, 2023. 24(13): p. 10646 |
| [38] | Arshad, M. A. J. H. S. J. L. S., A review on wheat management, strategies, current problems and future perspectives. 2021. 6: p. 14-18. |
| [39] | Pervaiz, R. J. H. S. J. o. L. S., Herbicide strategies for weed control in rice cultivation: Current practices and future directions. 2024. 9(4): p. 114-129. |
| [40] | Kuzmanović, N., et al., Diversity and evolutionary history of Ti plasmids of “tumorigenes” clade of Rhizobium spp. and their differentiation from other Ti and Ri plasmids. 2023. 15(8): p. evad133. |
| [41] | Akhter, M. J., et al., Adjuvant improves the efficacy of herbicide for weed management in maize sown under altered sowing methods. 2017. 5(1): p. 22-30. |
| [42] | Brown, T. A., Gene cloning and DNA analysis: an introduction. 2020: John Wiley & Sons. |
| [43] | Azizi-Dargahlou, S. and M. J. M. B. Pouresmaeil, Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated plant transformation: A review. Mol Biotechnol, 2024. 66(7): p. 1563-1580 |
| [44] | Ho, U.-H., et al., Development of Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transformation protocol through coleoptile in rice. 2023. 32(4): p. 339-349. |
| [45] | Stepchenkova, E. I., et al., Practical approaches for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome modification. Int J Mol Sci, 2023. 24(15): p. 11960 |
| [46] | Johnson, K., et al., Rapid and highly efficient morphogenic gene-mediated hexaploid wheat transformation. Front Plant Sci, 2023. 14: p. 1151762 |
| [47] | Ziemienowicz, A. J. B. and A. Biotechnology, Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation: Factors, applications and recent advances. 2014. 3(4): p. 95-102. |
| [48] | Rahman, S. U., et al., Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for the development of transgenic crops; present and future prospects. Mol Biotechnol, 2024. 66(8): p. 1836-1852 |
| [49] | Fizree, M. P. M. A. A., et al., Efficient PEG-mediated transformation of oil palm mesophyll protoplasts and its application in functional analysis of oil palm promoters. 2023. 155: p. 187-195. |
| [50] | Duan, W., et al., Novel stripe rust effector boosts the transcription of a host susceptibility factor through affecting histone modification to promote infection in wheat. 2024. 241(1): p. 378-393. |
| [51] | Rafeeq, H., et al., Effect of nickel on different physiological parameters of Raphanus sativus. 2020. 10: p. 9702. |
| [52] | Abbas, A., et al., Efficacy of different insecticides against gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and their safety to the beneficial fauna. 2021. 18: p. 82-88. |
| [53] | Zhao, X., et al., Pollen magnetofection for genetic modification with magnetic nanoparticles as gene carriers. 2017. 3(12): p. 956-964. |
| [54] | Mohamed, M. A., et al., Magnetic nanoparticles in plant protection: Promises and risks. 2019: p. 225-246. |
| [55] | Wang, Z. P., et al., Efficient and genotype independent maize transformation using pollen transfected by DNA‐coated magnetic nanoparticles. J Integr Plant Biol, 2022. 64(6): p. 1145-1156. |
| [56] | Demirer, G. S., et al., Carbon nanotube–mediated DNA delivery without transgene integration in intact plants. 2019. 14(10): p. 2954-2971. |
| [57] | Demirer, G. S., et al., High aspect ratio nanomaterials enable delivery of functional genetic material without DNA integration in mature plants. 2019. 14(5): p. 456-464. |
| [58] | Lv, Z., et al., Nanoparticle‐mediated gene transformation strategies for plant genetic engineering. Plant J, 2020. 104(4): p. 880-891 |
| [59] | Sembada, A. A. and I. W. J. N. Lenggoro, Transport of nanoparticles into plants and their detection methods. 2024. 14(2): p. 131. |
| [60] | Fus-Kujawa, A., et al., An overview of methods and tools for transfection of eukaryotic cells in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 2021. 9: p. 701031 |
| [61] | Krens, F., et al., In vitro transformation of plant protoplasts with Ti-plasmid DNA. 1982. 296(5852): p. 72-74. |
| [62] | Neuhaus, G. and G. J. P. P. Spangenberg, Plant transformation by microinjection techniques. 1990. 79(1): p. 213-217. |
| [63] | Azencott, H. R, et al., Influence of the cell wall on intracellular delivery to algal cells by electroporation and sonication. Ultrasound Med Biol, 2007. 33(11): p. 1805-1817 |
| [64] | Roberts, T. C., R. Langer, and M. J. J. N. r. D. d. Wood, Advances in oligonucleotide drug delivery. Nat Rev Drug Discov, 2020. 19(10): p. 673-694 |
| [65] | Zhang, Q., Y. Ying, and J. J. A. S. Ping, Recent advances in plant nanoscience. Adv Sci (Weinh), 2022. 9(2): p. 2103414 |
| [66] | Mujtaba, M., et al., Nanocarrier-mediated delivery of miRNA, RNAi, and CRISPR-Cas for plant protection: current trends and future directions. 2021. 1(5): p. 417-435. |
| [67] | Khanna, K., et al., Nanotechnology and CRISPR/Cas9 system for sustainable agriculture. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023. 30(56): p. 118049-118064 |
| [68] | Chiu, Y. T. E. and C. H. J. J. A. N. R. Choi, Enabling transgenic plant cell–derived biomedicines with nanotechnology. 2021. 1(1): p. 2000028. |
| [69] | Yadav, S., et al., Nanotechnology mediated gene transfer in plants: a novel approach, in Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Agroecosystems. 2023, Elsevier. p. 141-168. |
| [70] | Arshad, M. A., et al., Assessing herbicide efficacy and susceptibility for weed management and enhancing production of non-GMO soybean cultivation. 2024. |
| [71] | Tandon, A., et al., Nanomaterial mediated genome engineering for sustainable food production: Current status and future prospects. 2023: p. 102891. |
| [72] | Zhang, H., et al., Engineering DNA nanostructures for siRNA delivery in plants. Nat Protoc, 2020. 15(9): p. 3064-3087 |
| [73] | Pal, G., et al., Exogenous application of nanocarrier‐mediated double‐stranded RNA manipulates physiological traits and defence response against bacterial diseases. Mol Plant Pathol, 2024. 25(1): p. e13417 |
| [74] | Cai, Y., et al., Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Mediate SiRNA Delivery for Long‐Term Multi‐Gene Silencing in Intact Plants. Adv Sci (Weinh), 2024. 11(9): p. 2301358 |
| [75] | Wang, J. W., et al., Nanoparticles for protein delivery in planta. Curr Opin Plant Biol, 2021. 60: p. 102052 |
| [76] | Martin‐Ortigosa, S., et al., Gold functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticle mediated protein and DNA codelivery to plant cells via the biolistic method. 2012. 22(17): p. 3576-3582. |
| [77] | Martin-Ortigosa, S., et al., Mesoporous silica nanoparticle-mediated intracellular Cre protein delivery for maize genome editing via loxP site excision. Plant Physiol, 2014. 164(2): p. 537-547 |
| [78] | Martin-Ortigosa, S. and K. J. T. r. Wang, Proteolistics: a biolistic method for intracellular delivery of proteins. Transgenic Res, 2014. 23(5): p. 743-756 |
| [79] | Chen, X., et al., Trends in the Discovery and Development of Anti-Cancer Peptides: Technologies, Applications, and Challenges. |
| [80] | Newkirk, G. M., et al., Nanotechnology approaches for chloroplast biotechnology advancements. Front Plant Sci, 2021. 12: p. 691295 |
| [81] | Mitter, N., et al., Clay nanosheets for topical delivery of RNAi for sustained protection against plant viruses. Nat Plants, 2017. 3(2): p. 1-10 |
| [82] | Hernandez, E. S., Layered double hydroxide (LDH)-mediated topical delivery of dsRNA for protection against Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in Nicotiana benthamiana. 2021. |
| [83] | Mat Jalaluddin, N. S., et al., Recent Progress on Nanocarriers for Topical-Mediated RNAi Strategies for Crop Protection—A Review. 2023. 28(6): p. 2700. |
| [84] | Mukherjee, S., et al., Double-stranded RNA targeting white mold Sclerotinia sclerotiorum argonaute 2 for disease control via spray-induced gene silencing. Phytopathology, 2024. 114(6): p. 1253-1262 |
| [85] | Dunbar, T., et al., Carbon nanotube-mediated plasmid DNA delivery in rice leaves and seeds. Int J Mol Sci, 2022. 23(8): p. 4081 |
| [86] | Cunningham, F. J., Conjugating CRISPR-Cas9 Machinery to Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Plant Cellular Delivery. 2022: University of California, Berkeley. |
| [87] | Liu, S., et al., Construction of a Delivery Platform for Vaccine Based on Modified Nanotubes: Sustainable Prevention against Plant Viral Disease, Simplified Preparation Method, and Protection of Plasmid. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2023. 15(37): p. 44541-44553 |
| [88] | Islam, T., et al., The “Duckweed Dip”: Aquatic Spirodela polyrhiza Plants Can Efficiently Uptake Dissolved, DNA-Wrapped Carbon Nanotubes from Their Environment for Transient Gene Expression. 2023. 13(2): p. 687-691. |
| [89] | Men, J. L., et al., Development of a PEI-coated SWNTs Nanocarrier for efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 in early embryos of Litopenaeus vannamei. 2024. 581: p. 740424. |
| [90] | Ahmed, S., et al., Nanoparticle-based genetic transformation of Cannabis sativa. J Biotechnol, 2021. 326: p. 48-51 |
| [91] | Yan, S., et al., Calcium nutrition nanoagent rescues tomatoes from mosaic virus disease by accelerating calcium transport and activating antiviral immunity. Front Plant Sci, 2022. 13: p. 1092774 |
| [92] | Zhang, L., et al., Effect of morphology of carbon nanomaterials on thermo-physical characteristics, optical properties and photo-thermal conversion performance of nanofluids. 2016. 99: p. 888-897. |
| [93] | Zakaria, N. Z. J., et al., A review of the recent trend in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials derived from oil palm by-product materials. 2024. 14(1): p. 13-44. |
| [94] | Liu, Q., et al., Carbon nanotubes as molecular transporters for walled plant cells. 2009. 9(3): p. 1007-1010. |
| [95] | Law, S. S. Y., T. Miyamoto, and K. J. C. C. Numata, Organelle-targeted gene delivery in plants by nanomaterials. Chem Commun (Camb), 2023. 59(47): p. 7166-7181 |
| [96] | El-Ganainy, S. M., et al., Lignin-loaded carbon nanoparticles as a promising control agent against Fusarium verticillioides in maize: physiological and biochemical analyses. 2023. 15(5): p. 1193. |
| [97] | Zhuzhukin, K. V., et al., Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the growth and expression of stress resistance genes in birch. 2023. 14(1): p. 163. |
| [98] | Santana, I., et al., Targeted carbon nanostructures for chemical and gene delivery to plant chloroplasts. ACS Nano, 2022. 16(8): p. 12156-12173 |
| [99] | Wang, Z., et al., Functionalized carbon dot‐delivered RNA nano fungicides as superior tools to control Phytophthora pathogens through plant RdRP1 mediated spray‐induced gene silencing. 2023. 33(22): p. 2213143. |
| [100] | Jing, X., et al., Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency by nitrogen-doped carbon dots via plastoquinone-involved electron transfer in apple. Hortic Res, 2024. 11(3): p. uhae016 |
| [101] | Kwak, S.-Y., et al., Chloroplast-selective gene delivery and expression in planta using chitosan-complexed single-walled carbon nanotube carriers. Nat Nanotechnol, 2019. 14(5): p. 447-455 |
| [102] | Tahir, M., et al., Integrated nitrogen and irrigation management strategies for sustainable wheat production: Enhancing yield and environmental efficiency. 2024. 13(4): p. 209-222. |
| [103] | Law, S. S. Y., et al., Polymer-coated carbon nanotube hybrids with functional peptides for gene delivery into plant mitochondria. 2022. 13(1): p. 2417. |
| [104] | Duan, L., et al., Nanoparticle delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing. Front Genet, 2021. 12: p. 673286 |
| [105] | Graczyk, A., et al., Gold nanoparticles in conjunction with nucleic acids as a modern molecular system for cellular delivery. 2020. 25(1): p. 204. |
| [106] | Zhang, H., et al., Gold-nanocluster-mediated delivery of siRNA to intact plant cells for efficient gene knockdown. Nano Lett, 2021. 21(13): p. 5859-5866 |
| [107] | Zhang, B., et al., Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can rapidly deliver artificial microRNA (AmiRNA)-ATG6 to silence ATG6 expression in Arabidopsis. 2023. 42(7): p. 1191-1201. |
| [108] | Qi, J., et al., Rational design of ROS scavenging and fluorescent gold nanoparticles to deliver siRNA to improve plant resistance to Pseudomonas syringae. J Nanobiotechnology, 2024. 22(1): p. 446 |
| [109] | Khan, S., et al., Biomedical and agricultural applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs): a comprehensive review. 2024(0). |
| [110] | Warghane, A., et al., Application of nanoparticles for management of plant viral pathogen: current status and future prospects. Virology, 2024. 592: p. 109998 |
| [111] | Lei, W.-X., et al., Construction of gold-siRNA NPR1 nanoparticles for effective and quick silencing of NPR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. RSC Adv, 2020. 10(33): p. 19300-19308 |
| [112] | Zhang, M., et al., A modified method for transient transformation via pollen magnetofection in lilium germplasm. Int J Mol Sci, 2023. 24(20): p. 15304 |
| [113] | Vejlupkova, Z., et al., No evidence for transient transformation via pollen magnetofection in several monocot species. 2020. 6(11): p. 1323-1324. |
| [114] | LU, X.-h., D.-q. SUN, and X.-m. J. B. B. ZHANG, Genetic Transformation of Plant Cells Mediated by Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles. 2022. 38(7): p. 194. |
| [115] | Hajiahmadi, Z., et al., A novel, simple, and stable mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based gene transformation approach in Solanum lycopersicum. 3 Biotech, 2020. 10(8): p. 370 |
| [116] | Juneja, R., et al., Combination of nucleic acid and mesoporous silica nanoparticles: optimization and therapeutic performance in vitro, in Therapeutic RNA Nanotechnology. 2021, Jenny Stanford Publishing. p. 565-604. |
| [117] | Kaziem, A. E., et al., β-glucan-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for smart control of fungicide release and translocation in plants. ACS Omega, 2022. 7(17): p. 14807-14819 |
| [118] | Grohmann, L., et al., Detection and identification of genome editing in plants: challenges and opportunities. Front Plant Sci, 2019. 10: p. 236 |
| [119] | Pan, C., et al., Guide RNA library-based CRISPR screens in plants: opportunities and challenges. Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2023. 79: p. 102883 |
| [120] | Abdallah, N. A., et al., CRISPR genome editing to address food security and climate changes: Challenges and opportunities. 2024: p. 95-132. |
| [121] | Tröder, S. E. and B. J. L. A. Zevnik, History of genome editing: From meganucleases to CRISPR. 2022. 56(1): p. 60-68. |
| [122] | Li, Y., et al., CRISPR/Cas gene editing and delivery systems for cancer therapy. 2024. 16(1): p. e1938. |
| [123] | Sufyan, M., et al., An overview of genome engineering in plants, including its scope, technologies, progress and grand challenges. Funct Integr Genomics, 2023. 23(2): p. 119 |
| [124] | Yajnik, K., et al., Genome Editing and Plant-Pathogen Interaction, in Plant Pathogen Interaction. 2024, Springer. p. 311-340. |
| [125] | Somashekar, H., Harnessing Genome Editing Approaches in Crop Improvement to Reshape Modern Agriculture, in Smart Breeding. 2024, Apple Academic Press. p. 105-122. |
| [126] | Goyal, L., et al., Potential gene editing targets for developing haploid inducer stocks in rice and wheat with high haploid induction frequency. 3 Biotech, 2024. 14(1): p. 14 |
| [127] | Writer, G. S., Fanzor: First CRISPR-Like System Found in Eukaryotes. 2023, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 140 Huguenot Street, 3rd Floor New. |
| [128] | Wang, J. W., et al., Nanoparticle-mediated genetic engineering of plants. Mol Plant, 2019. 12(8): p. 1037-1040 |
| [129] | Ali, Z., et al., DNA–Carbon nanotube binding mode determines the efficiency of carbon nanotube-mediated DNA delivery to intact plants. 2022. 5(4): p. 4663-4676. |
| [130] | Aljabali, A. A., et al., Principles of CRISPR-Cas9 technology: advancements in genome editing and emerging trends in drug delivery. 2024: p. 105338. |
| [131] | Shen, R., et al., Creation of Fragrant Rice by Targeted Editing of fgr Gene Using Magnetic Nanoparticle-mediated Pollen Magnetofection in Rice. 2023. |
| [132] | Alghuthaymi, M. A., et al., Exosome/liposome-like nanoparticles: new carriers for CRISPR genome editing in plants. Int J Mol Sci, 2021. 22(14): p. 7456 |
| [133] | Qiao, J., et al., Cytosolic delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins for genome editing using chitosan-coated red fluorescent protein. Chem Commun (Camb), 2019. 55(32): p. 4707-4710 |
| [134] | Xu, C., et al., Targeting of NLRP3 inflammasome with gene editing for the amelioration of inflammatory diseases. Nat Commun, 2018. 9(1): p. 4092 |
| [135] | Zhang, X., et al., Biodegradable amino-ester nanomaterials for Cas9 mRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2017. 9(30): p. 25481-25487 |
| [136] | Shi, J., et al., MicroRNA-responsive release of Cas9/sgRNA from DNA nanoflower for cytosolic protein delivery and enhanced genome editing. Biomaterials, 2020. 256: p. 120221 |
| [137] | Li, M., et al., Optimized nanoparticle-mediated delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 system for B cell intervention. 2018. 11: p. 6270-6282. |
| [138] | Zhang, L., et al., Lipid nanoparticle-mediated efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for tumor therapy. 2017. 9(10): p. e441-e441. |
| [139] | Cheng, W.-J., et al., Stearyl polyethylenimine complexed with plasmids as the core of human serum albumin nanoparticles noncovalently bound to CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids or siRNA for disrupting or silencing PD-L1 expression for immunotherapy. 2018: p. 7079-7094. |
| [140] | Lee, K., et al., Nanoparticle delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein and donor DNA in vivo induces homology-directed DNA repair. Nat Biomed Eng, 2017. 1(11): p. 889-901 |
| [141] | Wang, M., et al., Efficient delivery of genome-editing proteins using bioreducible lipid nanoparticles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2016. 113(11): p. 2868-2873 |
| [142] | Alsaiari, S. K., et al., Endosomal escape and delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing machinery enabled by nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate framework. J Am Chem Soc, 2018. 140(1): p. 143-146 |
| [143] | Bošnjak, B., et al., CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing using gold-nanoparticle-mediated laserporation. 2018. 2(11): p. 1700184. |
| [144] | Sun, W., et al., Self‐assembled DNA nanoclews for the efficient delivery of CRISPR–Cas9 for genome editing. 2015. 127(41): p. 12197-12201. |
| [145] | Bala, R., et al., Evaluation of efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles as remedial zinc nanofertilizer for rice. 2019. 19: p. 379-389. |
| [146] | Jaithon, T., et al., Potential usage of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles from mangosteen peel ethanol extract to inhibit Xanthomonas oryzae and promote rice growth. Heliyon, 2024. 10(1): p. e24076 |
| [147] | Lizzi, D., Cerium oxide nanoparticles influence the life cycle of spontaneous plant species. 2020. |
| [148] | El-Fawy, M. M., et al., Effectiveness of Epicoccum nigrum and Silver Nanoparticles in Controlling Chocolate Spot Disease and Enhancing Growth and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.). 2024. 76(2): p. 411-424. |
| [149] | Mawale, K. S. and P. J. I. J. o. B. M. Giridhar, Chitosan nanoparticles modulate plant growth, and yield, as well as thrips infestation in Capsicum spp. 2024. 254: p. 127682. |
| [150] | Tavallali, V., et al., Variation in developmental and phytochemical characteristics of Calendula officinalis L. using foliar application of iron nanoparticles formed on hyaluronic acid. 2024. 323: p. 112539. |
| [151] | Ghouri, F., et al., Alleviated lead toxicity in rice plant by co-augmented action of genome doubling and TiO2 nanoparticles on gene expression, cytological and physiological changes. Sci Total Environ, 2024. 911: p. 168709 |
| [152] | Zuo, Y., et al., Effects of exposure to carbon nanomaterials on soil microbial communities: A global meta‐analysis. 2024. 35(1): p. 238-248. |
| [153] | Eissa, D. T. J. E. J. o. S. S., Effect of calcium silicate nanoparticles applications on salt affected soils environmental conditions. 2024. 64(1). |
| [154] | Adeel, M., et al., Carbon-based nanomaterials suppress tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection and induce resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana. J Hazard Mater, 2021. 404(Pt A): p. 124167 |
| [155] | Sofy, A. R., et al., Ameliorating the adverse effects of tomato mosaic tobamovirus infecting tomato plants in Egypt by boosting immunity in tomato plants using zinc oxide nanoparticles. Molecules, 2021. 26(5): p. 1337 |
| [156] | Kumar, R., et al., Toxicity assessment and control of early blight and stem rot of Solanum tuberosum L. by mancozeb-loaded chitosan–gum acacia nanocomposites. 2022. 12(2): p. 74-90. |
| [157] | El-Shetehy, M., et al., Silica nanoparticles enhance disease resistance in Arabidopsis plants. Nat Nanotechnol, 2021. 16(3): p. 344-353 |
| [158] | Deng, Q., et al., Silica nanoparticles conferring resistance to bacterial wilt in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Sci Total Environ, 2024. 915: p. 170112 |
| [159] | Naidu, S., et al., Silicon nanoparticles: Synthesis, uptake and their role in mitigation of biotic stress. 2023. 255: p. 114783. |
| [160] | Mahawar, L., et al., Silicon nanoparticles: Comprehensive review on biogenic synthesis and applications in agriculture. Environ Res, 2023. 232: p. 116292 |
| [161] | Asgher, M., et al., Multifaceted roles of silicon nano particles in heavy metals-stressed plants. Environ Pollut, 2024. 341: p. 122886 |
| [162] | Ulhassan, Z., et al., Seed priming with nano-silica effectively ameliorates chromium toxicity in Brassica napus. J Hazard Mater, 2023. 458: p. 131906 |
| [163] | Nabil, M., et al., Porous silicon nanostructures: Synthesis, characterization, and their antifungal activity. 2024. 22(1): p. 20230169. |
| [164] | Sohrawardy, H., et al., Nanoselenium and nanosilicon for nutrition and disease protection of crop plants. 2024: p. 227-249. |
| [165] | Meng, Z., et al., Nanoparticles of Fe3O4 Loaded with Azoxystrobin and Pectin to Enhance Resistance of Rice to Sheath Blight. 2024. 7(3): p. 2675-2686. |
| [166] | Kornarzyński, K., et al., Effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on germination of seeds and concentration of elements in Helianthus annuus L. under constant magnetic field. 2020. 10(1): p. 8068. |
| [167] | Kráľová, K. and J. Jampílek, Effects of nanoparticles/nanotubes on plant growth, in The Impact of Nanoparticles on Agriculture and Soil. 2023, Elsevier. p. 183-237. |
| [168] | Rahmani, N. and T. J. B. P. B. Radjabian, Integrative effects of phytohormones in the phenolic acids production in Salvia verticillata L. under multi-walled carbon nanotubes and methyl jasmonate elicitation. BMC Plant Biol, 2024. 24(1): p. 56 |
| [169] | Holghoomi, R., et al., Foliar application of Phenylalanine functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube improved the content of volatile compounds of basil grown in greenhouse. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023. 30(31): p. 77385-77407 |
| [170] | Ghorbani, S., et al., Carboxylic acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) elicit concordant variations in DNA cytosine methylation, gene expression, growth, morphogenesis, metabolism, and callogenesis in Salvia nemorosa; an in vitro biological assessment. 2023. 42(7): p. 4557-4569. |
| [171] | Parthasarathy, S. P., et al., Elucidating the efficacy of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube in the biogenesis of L-Dopa and antioxidant metabolites in cell cultures of Hybanthus enneaspermus. Plant Physiol Biochem, 2024. 206: p. 108310 |
| [172] | Peng, C., et al., Bioavailability and translocation of metal oxide nanoparticles in the soil-rice plant system. Sci Total Environ, 2020. 713: p. 136662 |
| [173] | Suazo-Hernández, J., et al., Impact on some soil physical and chemical properties caused by metal and metallic oxide engineered nanoparticles: A review. 2023. 13(3): p. 572. |
| [174] | Sathiyabama, M. and A. J. C. P. Manikandan, Foliar application of chitosan nanoparticle improves yield, mineral content and boost innate immunity in finger millet plants. Carbohydr Polym, 2021. 258: p. 117691 |
| [175] | Mishra, D., et al., Plant growth promoting potential of urea doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) under drought stress. Front Plant Sci, 2023. 14: p. 1137002 |
| [176] | Das, D., et al., Morpho-physiological and Biochemical responses in wheat foliar sprayed with zinc-chitosan-salicylic acid nanoparticles during drought stress. 2023. 4: p. 100034. |
| [177] | Hegedűs, G., et al., Liposomal formulation of botanical extracts may enhance yield triggering PR genes and phenylpropanoid pathway in Barley (Hordeum vulgare). 2022. 11(21): p. 2969. |
| [178] | Kutasy, B., et al., ‘Garlic-lipo’4Plants: Liposome-Encapsulated Garlic Extract Stimulates ABA Pathway and PR Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum). 2023. 12(4): p. 743 |
APA Style
Arshad, M. A., Akbar, B. A., Shehzadi, N., Iqbal, N., Mushtaq, M. Z., et al. (2025). Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability. Journal of Plant Sciences, 13(2), 38-58. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13
ACS Style
Arshad, M. A.; Akbar, B. A.; Shehzadi, N.; Iqbal, N.; Mushtaq, M. Z., et al. Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability. J. Plant Sci. 2025, 13(2), 38-58. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13
AMA Style
Arshad MA, Akbar BA, Shehzadi N, Iqbal N, Mushtaq MZ, et al. Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability. J Plant Sci. 2025;13(2):38-58. doi: 10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13,
author = {Muhammad Awais Arshad and Babur Ali Akbar and Nimra Shehzadi and Nadia Iqbal and Muhammad Zeeshan Mushtaq and Sana Rouf and Ahmad Jawad},
title = {Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability
},
journal = {Journal of Plant Sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {38-58},
doi = {10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jps.20251302.13},
abstract = {The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges in meeting the projected food demand of 9.7 billion people by 2050, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and temperature extremes. Nanobiotechnology, the synergistic integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers transformative solutions in plant genetic engineering to enhance agricultural sustainability and ensure food security. Nanobiotechnology exploits the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, enabling the precise delivery of genetic materials, advanced gene editing, and real-time monitoring of cellular processes. Innovative nanoparticle-mediated methods facilitate the transfer of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules into plant cells, overcoming the limitations of conventional genetic transformation methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene gun technologies. For example, magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes have shown promise in genotype-independent genetic material delivery and efficient transgene expression. This review highlights groundbreaking applications of nanobiotechnology, including enhanced delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components for accurate gene editing, nanoscale sensors for intracellular process monitoring, and the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for stable gene silencing. Despite these advancements, barriers such as nanoparticle biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and scalability in agricultural systems must be addressed. Regulatory frameworks ensuring the safe adoption of nanomaterials in agricultural practices are equally critical. Nanobiotechnology holds the potential to revolutionize plant genetic engineering by enabling precise trait manipulation, increased crop resilience, and reduced environmental impact. Leveraging these advancements can foster sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the challenges posed by global food demands and climate change.
},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Nanoparticles in Plant Genetic Engineering: Innovative Tools and Future Prospects for Enhanced Crop Traits and Agricultural Sustainability AU - Muhammad Awais Arshad AU - Babur Ali Akbar AU - Nimra Shehzadi AU - Nadia Iqbal AU - Muhammad Zeeshan Mushtaq AU - Sana Rouf AU - Ahmad Jawad Y1 - 2025/04/10 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13 DO - 10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13 T2 - Journal of Plant Sciences JF - Journal of Plant Sciences JO - Journal of Plant Sciences SP - 38 EP - 58 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2331-0731 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jps.20251302.13 AB - The global agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges in meeting the projected food demand of 9.7 billion people by 2050, exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as increased droughts and temperature extremes. Nanobiotechnology, the synergistic integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, offers transformative solutions in plant genetic engineering to enhance agricultural sustainability and ensure food security. Nanobiotechnology exploits the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials, enabling the precise delivery of genetic materials, advanced gene editing, and real-time monitoring of cellular processes. Innovative nanoparticle-mediated methods facilitate the transfer of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules into plant cells, overcoming the limitations of conventional genetic transformation methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene gun technologies. For example, magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes have shown promise in genotype-independent genetic material delivery and efficient transgene expression. This review highlights groundbreaking applications of nanobiotechnology, including enhanced delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components for accurate gene editing, nanoscale sensors for intracellular process monitoring, and the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for stable gene silencing. Despite these advancements, barriers such as nanoparticle biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and scalability in agricultural systems must be addressed. Regulatory frameworks ensuring the safe adoption of nanomaterials in agricultural practices are equally critical. Nanobiotechnology holds the potential to revolutionize plant genetic engineering by enabling precise trait manipulation, increased crop resilience, and reduced environmental impact. Leveraging these advancements can foster sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate the challenges posed by global food demands and climate change. VL - 13 IS - 2 ER -
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering, NIBGE-PIEAS, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences NIAB-C, PIEAS, Faisalabad, Pakistan
School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Kala Shah Kaku, Lahore, Pakistan
Information