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Catalytic Scavenging of Plant Reactive Oxygen Species In Vivo by Anionic Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

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Lipid-Coated Nanobubbles in Plants.

Stephen Ingram¹, Steven Jansen², H Jochen Schenk³

¹Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research/Physics, University of Helsinki, 00560 Helsinki, Finland.

Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)

|June 10, 2023

Summary

Plant xylem contains surprising nanobubbles stabilized by polar lipids. These lipid-coated nanobubbles persist despite negative pressures and daily fluctuations in the plant vascular system.

Keywords:

nanobubbles negative pressure plants polar lipids xylem

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Area of Science:

Plant Biology
Biophysics
Materials Science

Background:

Nanobubbles, or nanoscale bubbles, are observed in the xylem sap of flowering plants.
The xylem environment is characterized by significant negative pressures and daily fluctuations in pressure and temperature.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the evidence for nanobubbles in plants.
To explore the role of polar lipids in nanobubble persistence within the xylem.
To discuss theoretical models for nanobubble formation and stability in plants.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing research on plant nanobubbles.
Analysis of theoretical considerations for nanobubble formation and stabilization mechanisms.
Examination of the role of lipid monolayers and surface charges.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the presence of nanobubbles within the plant xylem.
Polar lipids form monolayers that stabilize nanobubbles against dissolution and pressure changes.
Mesoporous pit membranes and surface charges contribute to nanobubble formation and prevent coalescence.

Conclusions:

Lipid-coated nanobubbles are a persistent feature in the dynamic xylem environment.
The properties of polar lipid monolayers are crucial for nanobubble survival under stress.
Further research is needed to fully understand the open questions surrounding plant nanobubbles.