Nanoparticle-mediated plant gene transfer for precision farming and sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Gene transformation in plants through the intervention of genetic engineering has become potent tool in modern molecular breeding. From the last few decades, new developments have been made in transformation methods in plants. Besides a variety of gene delivery methods, Agrobacterium- and biolistic-mediated transformation has proved significant results. The crop productivity has increased through genetic engineering of plants by transformation of desirable genetic traits in agricultural crops under climate change and growing global population. Cell wall as a barrier to external biomolecular delivery remains as a challenge for efficient genetic transformation in plants. Thus, nanoparticles are promising materials for the delivery of biomolecules due to their efficiency to penetrate through this barrier without any external force. Hence, nanoparticles have the potential to deliver biomolecules in plants through genetic engineering. Application of pesticides and fertilizers indiscriminately poses environmental pollution and threat to biodiversity. In this scenario, nanotechnology has prospective future in agrobiotechnological applications to eradicate these problems by virtue of nanomaterials. Nanosized gold (5-25 nm) delivered DNA into plant cells, whereas iron oxide (30 nm)-based nanosensors identified pesticides at very minute levels. These significant functions will assist in the development of precision agriculture which reduces the risk of pollution and enhance the value of farming practices.