title: Reprint of: Silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticle toxicity in plants: A review of current research.
abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs) have become widely used in recent years for many manufacturing and medical processes. Recent literature suggests that many metallic nanomaterials including those of silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) cause significant toxic effects in animal cell culture and animal models, however, toxicity studies using plant species are limited. This review examines current progress in the understanding of the effect of silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on plant species. There are many facets to this ongoing environmental problem. This review addresses the effects of NPs on oxidative stress-related gene expression, genotoxicity, seed germination, and root elongation. It is largely accepted that NP exposure results in the cellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to both positive and negative effects on plant growth. However, factors such as NP size, shape, surface coating and concentration vary greatly among studies resulting in conflicting reports of the effect at times. In addition, plant species tend to differ in their reaction to NP exposure, with some showing positive effects of NP augmentation while many others showing detrimental effects. Seed germination studies have shown to be less effective in gauging phytotoxicity, while root elongation studies have shown more promise. Given the large increase in nanomaterial applications in consumer products, agriculture and energy sectors, it is critical to understand their role in the environment and their effects on plant life. A closer look at nanomaterial-driven ecotoxicity is needed. Ecosystem-level studies are required to indicate how these nanomaterials transfer at the critical trophic levels affecting human health and biota.
authors: Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA.
authors: Ashley
authors: A
authors: Cox
authors: Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA; Plant Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Periyar Palkalai Nagar, Salem, 636 011, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Venkatachalam
authors: Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA.
authors: Shivendra
authors: S
authors: Sahi
authors: Department of Biology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA. Electronic address: nilesh.sharma@wku.edu.
authors: Nilesh
authors: N
authors: Sharma
keywords: Cytotoxicity; Genotoxicity; Phytotoxicity; Plants; Silver nanoparticles; Titanium dioxide nanoparticles