A Self-Reporting Nanosensor for Detecting Bacterial Exploitation in Plants through Extracellular DNA

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Detecting extracellular DNA (exDNA) from invasive pathogens is vital for understanding plant biotic stress.
• Current sensing methods lack practicality for in-situ plant tissue analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fluorescent nanosensor for remote, noninvasive detection of exDNA in plant tissues.
• To investigate the nanosensor's capability for real-time monitoring of pathogen-induced plant stress.

Main Methods:

• A self-reporting nanoplatform was engineered using GelGreen and polyethylenimine-modified silica nanoparticles.
• The nanosensor detects exDNA through DNA-induced aggregation and subsequent fluorescence signal generation.
• Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were employed for signal detection with ng mL⁻¹ sensitivity.

Main Results:

• The nanosensor successfully detected exDNA in plant apoplastic spaces with stable fluorescence signals.
• Invasive bacteria triggered rapid nanosensor aggregation and activation via bacterial surface DNA in plant leaves.
• The system demonstrated high sensitivity for exDNA detection.

Conclusions:

• The developed fluorescent nanosensor offers a practical tool for noninvasive exDNA detection in plants.
• This technology advances plant nanotechnology and facilitates pathophysiological research on plant-pathogen interactions.
• The findings highlight the significance of exDNA in plant disease development.