Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
09:47
Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
10.3K
Charge, size, and cellular selectivity for multiwall carbon nanotubes by maize and soybean
Guangshu Zhai1, Sarah M Gutowski1, Katherine S Walters2
1†Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and IIHR Hydroscience and Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 27, 2015
Summary
This study shows that differently charged multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are taken up by maize and soybean plants. Plant growth responses varied, with maize growth stimulated and soybean growth inhibited by MWCNTs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly used, raising concerns about their environmental fate and plant uptake.
- Understanding how plants interact with nanomaterials is crucial for assessing potential risks in food chains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vegetative uptake and translocation of differently charged MWCNTs in maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max).
- To determine the effects of MWCNT exposure on plant growth and physiological processes.
- To identify selectivity in MWCNT uptake based on cellular, charge, and size properties.
Main Methods:
- Hydroponic exposure of maize and soybean to neutral (p-MWCNT), positively charged (MWCNT-NH2), and negatively charged (MWCNT-COOH) MWCNTs at concentrations of 10.0–50.0 mg/L for 18 days.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize MWCNT accumulation in plant tissues (roots, stems, leaves) and cellular organelles.
- Measurement of plant growth parameters (biomass) and physiological processes (water transpiration).
Main Results:
- MWCNTs were successfully taken up and translocated to various plant tissues, accumulating in xylem, phloem, and intracellular sites like chloroplasts and mitochondria.
- MWCNTs stimulated maize growth and increased water transpiration, while inhibiting soybean growth.
- Significant cellular, charge, and size selectivity was observed in the uptake and translocation of MWCNTs by both plant species.
Conclusions:
- Food-chain plants like maize and soybean can absorb and transport MWCNTs through their vascular systems.
- The charge and properties of MWCNTs influence their uptake, translocation, and effects on plant physiology and growth.
- This research provides the first evidence of selective uptake of differently charged MWCNTs by whole food plants, highlighting potential applications for nanotransporter design.
