Dual-interface assembled silanized amide nanoclusters: driving light-carbon synergy to enhance photosynthesis in...

The low efficiency of light energy utilization and CO₂ fixation restricts C3 crop photosynthesis, presenting a significant challenge for sustainable agricultural development. To alleviate this limitation, we constructed bifunctional silanized amide nanoclusters (SiANs) via a dual-interface assembly strategy. Using wheat as a model crop, we demonstrated that SiANs can regulate the photosynthetic process through a light‑carbon synergy mechanism. Benefiting from the anisotropic assembly and covalent cross-linking, SiANs exhibit an ultra-high fluorescence quantum yield (91.53%) and a substantial CO₂ adsorption capacity (2.63 mmol/g). Acting as a dual-functional modulator, they convert harmful UV radiation into utilizable blue light to accelerate electron transport, while the surface amino groups enrich CO₂ to facilitate Rubisco carboxylation. Experimental results showed that root application of 5 mg/L SiANs increased the electron transport rate of Photosystem II by 37.50% and Rubisco activity by 92.81%. Consequently, the net photosynthetic rate of wheat increased by 61.58%, accompanied by a 91.20% increase in soluble sugar accumulation. This work provides new insights into the interfacial regulation of photosynthesis, demonstrating a promising nanotechnological approach for improving C3 crop growth.