Shedding light on the mechanisms of absorption and transport of ZnO nanoparticles by plants via in vivo X-ray spectroscopy

Author(s)

da Cruz, Tatiana N. M. ^[1] ; Savassa, Susilaine M. ^[1] ; Gomes, Marcos H. F. ^[1] ; Rodrigues, Eduardo S. ^[1] ; Duran, Nadia M. ^[1] ; de Almeida, Eduardo ^[1] ; Martinelli, Adriana P. ^[1] ; de Carvalho, Hudson W. P. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Energia Nucl Agr, BR-13416903 Piracicaba - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO; v. 4, n. 12, p. 2367-2376, DEC 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

Several factors have contributed to bring pressure on agriculture. In this context, nanomaterial properties can be explored to design more efficient fertilizers and therefore increase productivity. In the present study, the roots of Phaseolus vulgaris were immersed in several nano ZnO dispersions for 48 h. The absorption and transport phenomena were in vivo monitored by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The nanoparticle size, concentration and coating with surfactants affected the rate of Zn release and therefore its uptake. In vivo X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that Phaseolus vulgaris takes up Zn bound to both citrate and malate, while entire nanoparticles were only absorbed when roots were injured. X-ray fluorescence microanalysis unravelled that besides xylem bundles, root to shoot Zn transport can take place through the cortex. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/19121-8 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2015/05942-0: micro X-Ray Fluorescence system
• Grantee: Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho
• Support type: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 16/08589-1 - Evaluation of nanoparticles agglomeration and quality control of nutrient solution of plants in hydroponic cultivation
• Grantee: Eduardo Santos Rodrigues
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 16/04611-2 - Evaluation of root absorption and displacement of ZnO nanoparticles in Phaseolis vulgaris (beans).
• Grantee: Tatiana Nishida Máximo da Cruz
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/05942-0 - Shedding light on the metabolism of nanomaterials absorbed by plants with X-ray and vibrational spectroscopy
• Grantee: Hudson Wallace Pereira de Carvalho
• Support type: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants