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Zein Nanoparticles Uptake by Hydroponically Grown Soybean Plants
Kurt D Ristroph1, Carlos E Astete1, Ede Bodoki1,2
1Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU Agricultural Center , 141 E. B. Doran Bldg, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|November 18, 2017
Summary
Soybean plants absorbed zein nanoparticles (ZNP) into roots, with uptake increasing at higher concentrations. Limited ZNP translocation to leaves suggests potential for targeted pesticide delivery in plants.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Materials Science
- Plant Biology
Background:
- Developing effective pesticide delivery systems is crucial for crop protection.
- Polymeric nanoparticles offer potential for controlled release and targeted delivery of agrochemicals.
- Zein, a plant-derived protein, is a biodegradable and biocompatible material for nanoparticle formulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake and biodistribution of zein nanoparticles (ZNP) in soybean plants.
- To quantify the time-dependent association of ZNP with soybean roots.
- To assess the potential of ZNP as a delivery vehicle for pesticides in soybeans.
Main Methods:
- Zein was functionalized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and formulated into nanoparticles (135 ± 3 nm diameter).
- Soybean plants were exposed hydroponically to varying concentrations of FITC-labeled ZNP for 10 days.
- Nanoparticle-root association was quantified using fluorescence measurements, and uptake kinetics were analyzed.
- Fluorescence in plant leaves was measured to assess biodistribution.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle root association varied with bulk nanoparticle concentration, increasing from 0.37 mg NP/mg dry weight to 0.58 mg NP/mg dry weight at higher doses.
- Root uptake of nanoparticles followed second-order kinetics.
- A minor increase in leaf fluorescence indicated limited translocation of nanoparticles or contaminants within the plant.
Conclusions:
- Zein nanoparticles demonstrate concentration-dependent uptake by soybean roots.
- The study provides the first quantification of time-dependent polymeric nanoparticle association with soybeans.
- Further research is needed to optimize ZNP delivery and confirm translocation for effective pesticide application.
