Challenges and Future Outlook in Employing Nanomaterials for Gene Delivery and Editing in Plants
摘要
In recent times, nanomaterials have drawn significant attention from the scientific community due to their remarkable characteristics and minuscule size. While significant strides have been made in using nanotechnology for therapeutics and diagnostics in animal cells, its application in plant science remains relatively unexplored. However, the potential impact of nanotechnology on crop enhancement and agricultural productivity is immense. Although reports highlight nanomaterial-induced improvements in agronomic traits, our understanding of the interaction of nanomaterials with plant cells and their role in promoting the transfer of biomolecules like DNAs and RNAs is still not well understood. Overcoming challenges posed by the plant cell wall is crucial for effective genetic engineering using nanomaterials. Recent studies have demonstrated proof-of-concept for the introduction of nucleic acids into plant cells, and a variety of nanomaterials—such as carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles—have been employed. This chapter aims to inform researchers about nanomaterials’ role as an innovative gene delivery mechanism in the realm of plant genetic engineering and their potential impact on plant genome engineering which ultimately leads to a sustainable and green future.