Boosting Plant Photosynthesis with Carbon Dots: A Critical Review of Performance and Prospects.

Artificially augmented photosynthesis in nano-bionic plants requires tunable nano-antenna structures with physiochemical and optoelectronic properties, as well as unique light conversion capabilities. The use of nanomaterials to promote light capture across photosystems, primarily by carbon dots, has shown promising results in enhancing photosynthesis through tunable uptake, translocation, and biocompatibility. Carbon dots possess the ability to perform both down and up-light conversions, making them effective light promoters for harnessing solar energy beyond visible light wavelengths.This review presents and discusses the recent progress in fabrication, chemistry, and morphology, as well as other properties such as photoluminescence and energy conversion efficiency of nano-antennas based on carbon dots. The performance of artificially boosted photosynthesis is discussed and then correlated with the conversion properties of carbon dots and how they are applied to plant models. The challenges related to the nanomaterial delivery and the performance evaluation practices in modified photosystems, consideration of the reliability of this approach, and the potential avenues for performance improvements through other types of nano-antennas based on alternative nanomaterials are also critically evaluated. It is anticipated that this review will stimulate more high-quality research in plant nano-bionics and provide avenues to enhance photosynthesis for future agricultural applications.

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

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 (0-5000mgL-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 5000mgL-1 , reduced germination was found when seeds were subjected to drought stress. At the optimal concentration of 1500mgL-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.

Graphene oxide incorporated waste wool/PAN hybrid fibres.

This work aims to evaluate the potential of using textile waste in smart textile applications in the form of a hybrid fibre with electrical properties. The bio-based electrically conductive fibres were fabricated from waste wool and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) via wet spinning with different wool content. The control PAN and hybrid fibre produced with the highest amount of wool content (25% w/v) were coated with graphene oxide (GO) using the "brushing and drying" technique. The GO nanosheets coated control PAN and wool/PAN hybrid fibres were chemically reduced through hydrazine vapour exposure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of both protein and nitrile peaks in the wool/PAN hybrid fibres, although the amide I and amide A groups had disappeared, due to the dissolution of wool. The morphological and structural analysis revealed effective coating and reduction of the fibres through GO nanosheets and hydrazine, respectively. The hybrid fibre showed higher electrical conductivity (~ 180 S/cm) compared to the control PAN fibres (~ 95 S/cm), confirming an effective bonding between the hydroxyl and carboxylic groups of the GO sheets and the amino groups of wool evidenced by chemical analysis. Hence, the graphene oxide incorporated wool/PAN hybrid fibres may provide a promising solution for eco-friendly smart textile applications.