Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Improved Development during In Vitro Multiplication of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in a Semi-Automated Bioreactor.

Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello,Lino Sánchez-Segura,Monserrat Sorcia-Morales,Fernando Carlos Gómez-Merino,José Luis Spinoso-Castillo

doi:10.3390/plants10102015

Jericó Jabín Bello-Bello, Lino Sánchez-Segura + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102015

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Abstract

Carbon nanotubes play an important role in plant biotechnology due to their effects on the growth and differentiation of cells, tissues, organs, and whole plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) using a temporary immersion system. Morphological characterization of MWCNTs was carried out under a transmission electron microscope. Different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 mg L−1) of MWCNTs were added to Murashige and Skoog liquid culture medium in the multiplication stage. At 30 d of culture, number of shoots per explant, shoot length, number of leaves per shoot, total chlorophyll, dry matter percentage, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient content were evaluated. Results showed an increase in the development of sugarcane shoots at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg L−1 MWCNT. Total chlorophyll content increased at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg L−1 MWCNT, whereas macro- and micronutrient content was variable at the different MWCNT concentrations. Results suggest a hormetic effect, characterized by stimulation at low concentrations. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of MWCNTs had positive effects on development, total chlorophyll, carbon percentage, and macro- and micronutrient (N, Ca, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Na) contents during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane and may have a potential use in other species of agricultural interest.

Highlights

Nanotechnology in agriculture is important for the development of nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, nanogrowth regulators, and nanomaterials to improve agricultural production [1]
This study shows the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) during in vitro multiplication of sugarcane
Another study [14] on thyme (Thymus daenensis celak) in vitro, found an increase in the fresh and dry weight of the stems while their height was three times greater than that of the control in seedlings developed with 250 μg mL−1 of MWCNT; concentrations of 500–2000 μg mL−1 MWCNT had a negative effect on their development

Summary

Introduction

Nanotechnology in agriculture is important for the development of nanopesticides, nanofertilizers, nanogrowth regulators, and nanomaterials to improve agricultural production [1]. Nanomaterials are characterized by an ordered assembly of their atoms to form structures on a manometer scale of between 1 to 100 nm [2,3]. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are rolled up sheets of graphene forming a hollow cylindrical structure, and they are classified into single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) [6,7]. Compared to SWCNTs, MWCNTs have higher density, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity [8], as well as lower toxicity in plant cells [9]. Some effects of CNTs on plants have been described, notably their positive effect on development, nutritional status, and photosynthesis. The effects of CNTs on plants depend on the species, CNT type, concentration, developmental stage and culture conditions [10]

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