Plant nanobionic sensors based on near-infrared fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotubes: Developments and...

As climate change and population growth increasingly impose constraints on agricultural production, the precise monitoring of crops is essential to meet the rising demand for food and energy. Plant nanobionic sensors constructed by integrating nanoparticles into living plants have emerged in recent years as new tools for in situ, nondestructive, and real-time monitoring of plant signaling pathways and metabolism. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are cylindrical nanomaterials formed by rolling graphene layers. Owing to their unique near-infrared fluorescence properties, SWCNTs have been widely used in biological imaging and sensing. This review outlines the recent advances in plant nanobionic sensors based on near-infrared fluorescent SWCNTs and provides a comprehensive and current perspective on strategies for developing effective SWCNT sensors and their integrated applications in living plants. Moreover, the photophysical properties, functionalization methods, and current challenges are also discussed, which have not been previously examined in depth. Finally, the prospects are highlighted to provide guidance for the future research of plant nanobionic sensors. Overall, this review aims to equip readers with the knowledge needed to explore and apply SWCNT-based nanosensors in living plant systems.