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Applications of nanosensor technology for the plant sciences

Shaw, Daniel S; Honeychurch, Kevin C

Authors

Daniel S Shaw



Abstract

The detection of analytes is optically difficult in planta due to tissue thickness and the presence of photosynthetic pigments in plant tissues. Nanosensors are well-suited for the detection of analytes as they are easily embedded in plant tissues. They are thus well-suited for in vivo studies of cellular signalling and metabolism. nanosensors plants botany nanobiotechnology agriculture 1. Detection of Molecular Oxygen Molecular oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during aerobic respiration. Plants (as well as algae and photosynthetic bacteria) are able to produce oxygen via photolysis, which is part of the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis. However, the availability of oxygen in the atmosphere is still an essential substrate for plant metabolism as photosynthetic activity varies in tissue and there are times when plants are not photosynthetically active [145]. Many stresses, for example flooding, can also result in hypoxia in plant tissues. In addition, differential patterns of the abundance of oxygen occur in organs and meristems and the regulation of oxygen status is mechanistically related to plant development [146]. Extensive work on oxygen sensing has utilised Clark-type polarographic electrode sensors to detect a current flow caused by the chemical reduction of oxygen to water [147]. These microelectrodes have been used to determine the rates of photosynthesis and respiration by potato leaf protoplasts [148], measure the respiration rate of mitochondria extracted from pea shoots [149] and the leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana [150], as well as to measure alternative oxidase activity in soybean cotyledons and roots [151]. However, these electrodes have practical limitations when compared to optical sensors; they are invasive and can require extensive sample preparation, and they consume oxygen causing experimental errors when used in a living cell. Some of these problems can be overcome by using nanosensors. At present, two categories of nanosensor are being utilised to assess oxygen distribution inside tissues, namely electrochemical and optical systems. Electrochemical nanosensors (carbon-filled quartz micropipettes with platinum-coated tips) have been used to detect a considerable drop in oxygen concentration at the surface of Chara corallina internodes in response to micro-perforation of the cell wall [114]. The decline in oxygen concentration at the wounding site could be due to several causes, such as the stimulation of the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase, and modulation of antioxidant systems. Optical nanosensors for O also have features that make them an attractive alternative to the Clark-type polarographic electrode sensors, whilst enabling oxygen to be sensed on a nanoscale and to be imaged over large areas. Probes encapsulated by biologically localised embedding (PEBBLEs) are a prominent class of this type of nanosensor. The sensing elements, i.e., fluorescent dyes of PEBBLEs are encapsulated within an inert matrix which reduces dye leakage [152]. In addition, the protective shell retains stability and prevents interference with other proteins [153]. However, PEBBLEs commonly emitted a red phosphorescence signal that 2

Citation

Shaw, D. S., & Honeychurch, K. C. (2022). Applications of nanosensor technology for the plant sciences

Digital Artefact Type Website Content
Acceptance Date Sep 27, 2022
Online Publication Date Sep 27, 2022
Publication Date Sep 27, 2022
Deposit Date Sep 27, 2022
Publisher MDPI
Keywords Nanosensors; plants; botany; nanobiotechnology; agriculture
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10012197
Publisher URL https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/27643
Related Public URLs https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/12/9/675