2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and biological effects

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Plant Physiology

Background:

• Visualizing agricultural chemical distribution in plants is crucial for improving application strategies.
• Gold nanoparticles offer unique properties for bioimaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (2,4-D-MP-Au NPs).
• To investigate the cellular uptake and biodistribution of these nanoparticles in plant cells and tissues.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using UV-vis, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and TGA.
• Confocal and two-photon microscopy for observing nanoparticle internalization in BY-2 cells.
• Analysis of nanoparticle biodistribution in Ricinus cotyledons.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized 2,4-D-MP-Au NPs with approximately 1197 2,4-D molecules per nanoparticle.
• Demonstrated energy-dependent endocytosis of 2,4-D-MP-Au NPs into BY-2 cells.
• Observed nanoparticle entry into mesophyll cells of Ricinus cotyledons, with enhanced cell recognition due to 2,4-D conjugation.

Conclusions:

• 2,4-D-MP-Au NPs are effectively internalized by plant cells via endocytosis.
• The functionalized nanoparticles show promise for bioimaging and biolabeling agricultural chemicals in plants.
• This approach can enhance targeting and inform application strategies for plant-related chemicals.