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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Using Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofiber Arrays on Rigid or Flexible Substrates for Delivery of Biomolecules and Dyes to Plants
Published on: July 21, 2023
Nanomaterials as plant delivery carriers: transport mechanisms and design principles
Ye Li1,2, Yezhuo Zhang3,4, Zhun Zhang3,4
1State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China. liye0223@bjfu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Engineered nanomaterials are frequently utilized as vectors for the targeted delivery of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and protein-nucleic acid complexes in mammalian cells, showing significant potential in medical applications. However, their use in plants remains limited. Little is known about the mechanisms of nanomaterial transport in plant cells and how their properties influence their internalization ability, which restricts their application in plant systems. In this review, we systematically summarize the translocation mechanism of nanomaterials within plant systems, and highlight how the size, shape, stiffness, and surface properties of nanomaterials affect their internalization in plants. Moreover, we discuss the types of cargoes and the transformation strategies employed in nanomaterial-mediated delivery. Finally, we highlight the key challenges and emerging opportunities associated with nanomaterial-based plant delivery systems, aiming to provide critical insights for advancing biomolecule delivery technologies in plant biotechnology.
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