Actions and reactions of plants derived zinc-oxide nano-particles

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal industry in the twenty-first century, with nanoparticles (NPs) occupying a crucial role due to their small size ranging from 1 to 100 nm, rendering them versatile for both organic and inorganic applications. The extensive use of NPs in various domains with an estimated yearly worldwide production range between 550 and 33,400 metric tonnes, has led to an escalation in the possibility of their release into the environment. These nanoparticles are recognized as a biosafe substance, have gained immense significance, given their facile application and broad spectrum of usage in different industry including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics etc. Capacity of ZnO-NPs in prior studies have been demonstrated as seed germination stimulants, crop production enhancers, curb disease, and shield plants from bacterial action. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a non-toxic, eco-friendly, simple, cost effective, scalable NPs production methodology. Several biological systems, including yeast, fungus, bacteria, and plant extracts, are widely utilized in green synthesis methodologies for NPs production. ZnO-NPs have been observed to modulate plant metabolism and growth in diverse ways, both favourable and unfavourable, during distinct developmental stages depending upon the ZnO-NPs' unique properties and the physiology of the recipient plant have an impact on how well they are absorbed, behave, and ultimately end up in plants. This review aims to extend the current understanding of current trends in green synthesis and plant-derived NPs, with a specific emphasis on ZnO-NP uptake, distribution, transformation and reaction in plants.