[PLANT GENETIC TRANSFORMATION USING CARBON NANOTUBES FOR DNA DELIVERY]

Area of Science:

• Plant biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Genetic engineering

Background:

• Efficient gene delivery is crucial for plant genetic modification.
• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer potential as novel nanocarriers for biological applications.
• Understanding the differential efficacy of SWCNTs and MWCNTs in plant cells is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) as nanocarriers for gene delivery into various plant tissues.
• To compare the transformation efficiency of SWCNTs and MWCNTs in protoplasts, callus, and mesophyll explants of Nicotiana tabacum L.

Main Methods:

• Genetic transformation of Nicotiana tabacum L. protoplasts, callus, and leaf explants using plasmid pGreen 0029.
• Utilized SWCNTs and MWCNTs at specific concentrations as nanocarriers for gene delivery.
• Assessed transient expression of the reporter yfp gene and selected transformed plants on kanamycin-containing medium.

Main Results:

• SWCNTs successfully transformed both protoplasts and walled plant cells (callus and leaf explants).
• MWCNTs were effective in transforming protoplasts but not walled cells, likely due to the cellulose barrier.
• Plant regeneration was achieved on selective media, confirming successful gene integration.

Conclusions:

• SWCNTs are versatile nanocarriers for genetic transformation in both protoplasts and walled plant cells.
• MWCNTs are limited to protoplast transformation due to their inability to penetrate cellulose cell walls.
• CNTs represent a promising tool for advancing plant genetic engineering strategies.