Green synthesized iron nanoparticles and its uptake in pennisetum glaucum — A nanonutriomics approach

Abstract

Green nanotechnology, deals with the use of biological systems such as plants, bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae etc. for the synthesis of Nanoparticles (Nps). The aim of our study was to undertake Green synthesis of Iron nanoparticles/magnetite (Fe3O4) from a marine algae namely Chaetomorpha antennina. Two types of Iron Nps were synthesized and characterized-bare FeNp and citrate coated FeNp. Further the uptake mechanism of green synthesised Iron Nps were evaluated on Pennisetum glaucum (Pearl millet). An overall increase in the plant growth was observed. It was also observed that with increasing concentrations of FeNps (Fe3O4), the seedlings showed a concomitant increase in chlorophyll as well as soluble sugar content, suggesting that the iron uptaken by the plants is used up for producing photoassimilates. The iron content in the plants shoots and roots were estimated, which further confirmed that the plants readily uptook FeNp. Histochemical assays (undertaken in the roots as well as the shoots sections) involved looking at localization study of Iron, starch, lignin and suberization. Throughout the experiment no toxic effect was observed in the plants. This confirms the potential of FeNp to be used as an eco-friendly fertilizer. Hence we would like to conclude with the present study that FeNp could be potentially used as a nano-fertilizer hence paving the way towards “plant nanonutriomics”. Solutions such as this could effectively solve the present agricultural issues, especially pertaining to iron deficiency in the human population and its amelioration. It would definitely prove to be a worthy challenge to Genetically Modified food.