Application of novel nanotechnology strategies in plant biotransformation: a contemporary overview

During the past epoch we have gone through the remarkable progress in plant gene transformation technology. The production of transgenic plants is considered as a valuable tool in plant research and the technology is extensively applied in phytomedicines and agricultural research. Gene transformation in plants is normally carried out by Agrobacterium species, application of some chemicals and physical techniques (electroporation, microprojectile, etc.). Now a days with better efficacy and reproducibility, novel technologies for the direct gene transfer like liposome, positively charged liposome (lipofectin) and nanoparticle based delivery systems are used for genetic transformation of plants. In this review, we have enlightened the novel nanotechnologies like liposome, Carbon nano-tube and nanoparticles with their current status and future prospects in transgenic plant development. Moreover, we have also highlighted the limitations of conventional techniques of gene transfer. Furthermore, we have tried to postulate innovative ideas on the footprints of established nanotechnology and chemical based strategy with improved efficacy, reproducibility and accuracy along with less time consumption.