Application of Nanomaterials in the Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources

The preservation of plant genetic resources is crucial to safeguard food security. These resources encompass a wide array of plant material, including cells, seeds, tissues, and their genetic material, derived from both wild and domesticated species. They serve as the fundamental raw material for crop improvement. The ex situ conservation of these resources in germplasm banks poses significant challenges, which can be addressed through the application of nanobiotechnology. This field utilizes nanomaterials (10-100 nm) that exhibit a wide range of shapes and chemical compositions, along with remarkable optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. These materials are capable of catalyzing a multitude of biochemical reactions and processes, making them highly effective tools for agricultural research and development. Nanobiotechnology approaches in plant genetic resources conservation can range from the stimulation of seed germination and the improvement of in vitro culture methods, to cryopreservation assisted by nanomaterials and the conservation of nucleic acids using nanostructures. The use of nanomaterials opens a window for innovation in germplasm biobanks; however, it must be considered that the ideal dose and type of nanomaterial for each purpose must be determined in order to ensure the genomic integrity and reactivation of the plant cells.