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Application of silver nanoparticles in in-vitro plant growth and metabolite production: revisiting its scope and feasibility

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Abstract

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field of science and technology, which deals with development of new solutions by understanding and controlling matter at nanoscale level. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most recognized nanomaterials that are incorporated in a wide range of extensive applications due to their unique properties. Over the past years, scientific interest in using AgNPs in the field of plant biotechnology and agriculture has gained momentum. Acknowledging this aspect of application of AgNPs, the present review delved into the numerous research studies conducted to explore the effects of AgNPs on in-vitro seed germination, plant propagation and metabolite production highlighting their positive as well as the negative aspects. The suggested mechanism of action of AgNPs on plants and limitations faced in applying these nanoparticles on a commercial scale are also discussed. While AgNPs have demonstrated massive potential in plant tissue culture, their application in enhancing overall plant growth have demonstrated conflicting outcomes in different plant species. This clearly highlights that there is a need for more in-depth research in order to understand the intricate complexities involved in nanoparticle action and their inherent phytotoxic nature.

Key message

The current review article provides a detailed outlook about the studies that have investigated the in-vitro applications of silver nanoparticles in facilitating seed germination, promotion of plant growth and metabolite production. The probable mechanism of action of AgNPs has also been discussed.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Kelkar Education Trust’s Scientific Research Centre for their support.

Funding

The authors did not receive funding as assistance for the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors

Contributions

SM conducted extensive literature review and drafted the sections on effect of silver nanoparticles on in-vitro seed germination and plant growth. JK conducted extensive literature review and drafted the section on the mechanism of action of silver nanoparticles. PD conducted extensive literature review and drafted the section on effect of silver nanoparticles on in-vitro metabolite production in plants. SB provided his expertise in Plant Biotechnology and assisted SK in structuring the manuscript and designing the layout of the review article. As the corresponding author of the review article, SK designed the layout of the manuscript in concordance with SB. Further, she prudently checked every detail written and reviewed by the co-authors and structured the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shruti Kakodkar.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Communicated by Mohammad Faisal.

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Mahajan, S., Kadam, J., Dhawal, P. et al. Application of silver nanoparticles in in-vitro plant growth and metabolite production: revisiting its scope and feasibility. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 150, 15–39 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-022-02249-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11240-022-02249-w

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