Potential of Biogenic Plant-Mediated Iron and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Utility

Abstract

Plant nanobionics is a new field of science or bioengineering in which nanostructured material is inserted into living plant cells, in turn changing the functioning of the plant tissue or organelle; in other words, plant nanobionics describes superpowered plants, including plants that can detect explosives at extreme temperatures, plants that can detect heavy metals in vegetables and fruits, an array of wild-type plants capable of imaging objects in their environment, self-powered light sources, infrared communication devices, and self-powered nanosensors to detect toxicants/pathogens. Genetic or structural modifications of plants may also make them capable of detecting pollutants, i.e., for bioremediation. Biogenic synthesis and applications of coated and uncoated iron and iron oxide nanoparticles have been established. The magnetic properties of both types of nanoparticles have been used in the treatment of cancer, in drug delivery, as magnetic resonance imaging agents, for catalysis, for detection of toxicants/pollutants, and for removal of pesticides from potable water. Polymer-coated iron and iron oxide nanoparticles have good biocompatibility and slow release, and are effective and long lasting. The biological efficacy of both types of nanoparticles is dependent on their shape, size, and orientation, as well as their concentration.