Accumulation, translocation and impact of TiO2 nanoparticles in wheat (Triticum aestivum spp.): influence of diameter and crystal phase

Fate of pristine TiO2 nanoparticles and aged paint-containing TiO2 nanoparticles in lettuce crop after foliar exposure

Engineered TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are present in a large variety of consumer products, and are produced in largest amount. The building industry is a major sector using TiO2-NPs, especially in paints. The fate of NPs after their release in the environment is still largely unknown, and their possible transfer in plants and subsequent impacts have not been studied in detail. The foliar transfer pathway is even less understood than the root pathway. In this study, lettuces were exposed to pristine TiO2-NPs and aged paint leachate containing TiO2-NPs and microparticles (TiO2-MPs). Internalization and in situ speciation of Ti were investigated by a combination of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Not only TiO2-NPs pristine and from aged paints, but also TiO2-MPs were internalized in lettuce leaves, and observed in all types of tissues. No change in speciation was noticed, but an organic coating of TiO2-NPs is likely. Phytotoxicity markers were tested for plants exposed to pristine TiO2-NPs. No acute phytotoxicity was observed; variations were only observed in glutathione and phytochelatin levels but remained low as compared to typical values. These results obtained on the foliar uptake mechanisms of nano- and microparticles are important in the perspective of risk assessment of atmospheric contaminations.

Identification and avoidance of potential artifacts and misinterpretations in nanomaterial ecotoxicity measurements

Novel physicochemistries of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) offer considerable commercial potential for new products and processes, but also the possibility of unforeseen and negative consequences upon ENM release into the environment. Investigations of ENM ecotoxicity have revealed that the unique properties of ENMs and a lack of appropriate test methods can lead to results that are inaccurate or not reproducible. The occurrence of spurious results or misinterpretations of results from ENM toxicity tests that are unique to investigations of ENMs (as opposed to traditional toxicants) have been reported, but have not yet been systemically reviewed. Our objective in this manuscript is to highlight artifacts and misinterpretations that can occur at each step of ecotoxicity testing: procurement or synthesis of the ENMs and assessment of potential toxic impurities such as metals or endotoxins, ENM storage, dispersion of the ENMs in the test medium, direct interference with assay reagents and unacknowledged indirect effects such as nutrient depletion during the assay, and assessment of the ENM biodistribution in organisms. We recommend thorough characterization of initial ENMs including measurement of impurities, implementation of steps to minimize changes to the ENMs during storage, inclusion of a set of experimental controls (e.g., to assess impacts of nutrient depletion, ENM specific effects, impurities in ENM formulation, desorbed surface coatings, the dispersion process, and direct interference of ENM with toxicity assays), and use of orthogonal measurement methods when available to assess ENMs fate and distribution in organisms.

Oxidative potential of ultraviolet-A irradiated or nonirradiated suspensions of titanium dioxide or silicon dioxide nanoparticles on Allium cepa roots

The effect of ultraviolet-A irradiated or nonirradiated suspensions of agglomerates of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) or silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) nanoparticles on roots of the onion (Allium cepa) has been studied. The reactive potential of TiO(2) nanoparticles, which have photocatalytic potential, and the nonphotocatalytic SiO(2) nanoparticles with the same size of agglomerates was compared. The authors measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase as well as lipid peroxidation to assess the oxidative stress in exposed A. cepa roots. A wide range of concentrations of nanoparticles was tested (0.1-1000 µg/mL). The sizes of agglomerates ranged in both cases from 300 nm to 600 nm, and the exposure time was 24 h. Adsorption of SiO(2) nanoparticles on the root surface was minimal but became significant when roots were exposed to TiO(2) agglomerates. No significant biological effects were observed even at high exposure concentrations of SiO(2) and TiO(2) nanoparticles individually. Plants appear to be protected against nanoparticles by the cell wall, which shields the cell membrane from direct contact with the nanoparticles. The authors discuss the need to supplement conventional phytotoxicity and stress end points with measures of plant physiological state when evaluating the safety of nanoparticles.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle impact and translocation through ex vivo, in vivo and in vitro gut epithelia

Background

TiO₂ particles are commonly used as dietary supplements and may contain up to 36% of nano-sized particles (TiO₂-NPs). Still impact and translocation of NPs through the gut epithelium is poorly documented.

Results

We show that, in vivo and ex vivo, agglomerates of TiO₂-NPs cross both the regular ileum epithelium and the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) and alter the paracellular permeability of the ileum and colon epithelia. In vitro, they accumulate in M-cells and mucus-secreting cells, much less in enterocytes. They do not cause overt cytotoxicity or apoptosis. They translocate through a model of FAE only, but induce tight junctions remodeling in the regular ileum epithelium, which is a sign of integrity alteration and suggests paracellular passage of NPs. Finally we prove that TiO₂-NPs do not dissolve when sequestered up to 24 h in gut cells.

Conclusions

Taken together these data prove that TiO₂-NPs would possibly translocate through both the regular epithelium lining the ileum and through Peyer’s patches, would induce epithelium impairment, and would persist in gut cells where they would possibly induce chronic damage.

Foliar exposure of the crop Lactuca sativa to silver nanoparticles: evidence for internalization and changes in Ag speciation

The impact of engineered nanomaterials on plants, which act as a major point of entry of contaminants into trophic chains, is little documented. The foliar pathway is even less known than the soil-root pathway. However, significant inputs of nanoparticles (NPs) on plant foliage may be expected due to deposition of atmospheric particles or application of NP-containing pesticides. The uptake of Ag-NPs in the crop species Lactuca sativa after foliar exposure and their possible biotransformation and phytotoxic effects were studied. In addition to chemical analyses and ecotoxicological tests, micro X-ray fluorescence, micro X-ray absorption spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and electron microscopy were used to localize and determine the speciation of Ag at sub-micrometer resolution. Although no sign of phytotoxicity was observed, Ag was effectively trapped on lettuce leaves and a thorough washing did not decrease Ag content significantly. We provide first evidence for the entrapment of Ag-NPs by the cuticle and penetration in the leaf tissue through stomata, for the diffusion of Ag in leaf tissues, and oxidation of Ag-NPs and complexation of Ag(+) by thiol-containing molecules. Such type of information is crucial for better assessing the risk associated to Ag-NP containing products.

Trophic transfer, transformation, and impact of engineered nanomaterials in terrestrial environments

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are released into the environment with unknown implications in the food chain. Recent findings demonstrate that ENMs may accumulate and/or increase concentrations of the component metal or carbon nanomaterials in the fruits/grains of agricultural crops, have detrimental or beneficial effects on the agronomic traits, yield, and productivity of plants, induce modifications in the nutritional value of food crops, and transfer within trophic levels. Given this information, important questions needed to be resolved include a determination of actual or predicted concentrations of ENMs through the development of new and perhaps hybridized analytical tools, assessment of the nutritional content modifications and/or accumulation of ENMs, component metal, and cocontaminants in edible plants and their implications on human diet, nutrition, and health, assessment of the consequences of ENM-induced changes in soil health, physiological process, and yield on agricultural production and food security, and transfer of ENMs in trophic levels. Given the significant implications of ENMs exposure and the rather large knowledge gaps that exist, it will be prudent to observe judicious and targeted use of ENMs so as to minimize environmental release until a comprehensive environmental fate and effects assessment can be undertaken.

Fabricated nanoparticles: current status and potential phytotoxic threats

Nanotechnology offers unique attributes to various industrial and consumer sectors, and has become a topic of high interest to scientific communities across the world. Our society has greatly benefitted from nanotechnology already, in that many products with novel properties and wide applicability have been developed and commercialized. However, the increased production and use of nanomaterials have raised concerns about the environmental fate and toxicological implications of nanoparticles and nanomaterials. Research has revealed that various nanomaterials may be hazardous to living organisms. Among biota, plants are widely exposed to released nanomaterials and are sensitive to their effects. The accumulation of nannmaterials in the environment is a potential threat, not only because of potential damage to plants hut also because nanoparticles may enter the food chain. Although the literature that addresses the safety of nanoproducts is growing, little is known about the mechanisms by which these materials produce toxicity on natural species, including humans. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature relevant to what phytotoxic impact fabricated nanoparticles (e.g., carbon nanotubes, metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles, and certain other nanomaterials) have on plants. Nanoparticles produce several effects on plant physiology and morphology. Nanoparticles are known to affect root structure, seed germination, and cellular metabolism. Nanoparticles inhibit growth, induce oxidative stress, morphogenetic abnormalities and produce clastogenic disturbances in several plant species. The size, shape and surface coating of NPs play an important role in determining their level of toxicity. Of course, the dose, route of administration, type of dispersion media, and environmental exposure also contribute to how toxic nanoparticles are to plants. Currently, nanotoxicity studies are only in their initial phases of development and more research will be required to identify the actual threat nanoproducts pose to the plant system. To date, data show that there is a large variation in the phytotoxicity caused by different NPs. Moreover, the studies conducted thus far have mostly relied on microscopy to detect effects. Studies that incorporate measures and analyses undertaken with more modern tools are needed. Among new data that are most urgently needed on NPs is how fabricated NPs behave once released into the environment, and how exposure to them may affect plant resistance, metabolic pathways, and plant genetic responses. In this review, we have attempted to collect, present and summarize recent findings from the literature on nanoparticle toxicity in plants. To strengthen the analysis, we propose a scheme for accessing NP toxicity. We also recommend how the potential challenges presented by increased production and release of NPs should be addressed. It is our belief and recommendation that every nanomaterial-based product be subjected to appropriate toxicity and associated assessment before being commercialized.

Nano-TiO(2) improve the photosynthesis of tomato leaves under mild heat stress

Nano-TiO(2) has been reported to promote photosynthesis in some crops; however, the mechanism behind this action remains unknown. In this research, the effects of nano-TiO(2) on leaf photosynthesis under mild heat stress were investigated. Results showed that the net photosynthetic rate, conductance to H2O, and transpiration rate of tomato leaves increased after application of an appropriate concentration of nano-TiO(2). Nano-TiO(2) also significantly decreased the minimum chlorophyll fluorescence and relative electron transport in leaves. Under mild heat stress, Nano-TiO(2) increased regulated photosystem II (PS II) energy dissipation and decreased non-regulated PS II energy dissipation. These results indicate that nano-TiO(2) plays a positive role in promoting photosynthesis in tomato leaves under mild heat stress.

Synchrotron verification of TiO2 accumulation in cucumber fruit: a possible pathway of TiO2 nanoparticle transfer from soil into the food chain

The transfer of nanoparticles (NPs) into the food chain through edible plants is of great concern. Cucumis sativus L. is a freshly consumed garden vegetable that could be in contact with NPs through biosolids and direct agrichemical application. In this research, cucumber plants were cultivated for 150 days in sandy loam soil treated with 0 to 750 mg TiO2 NPs kg(-1). Fruits were analyzed using synchrotron μ-XRF and μ-XANES, ICP-OES, and biochemical assays. Results showed that catalase in leaves increased (U mg(-1) protein) from 58.8 in control to 78.8 in 750 mg kg(-1) treatment; while ascorbate peroxidase decreased from 21.9 to 14.1 in 500 mg kg(-1) treatment. Moreover, total chlorophyll content in leaves increased in the 750 mg kg(-1) treatment. Compared to control, FTIR spectra of fruit from TiO2 NP treated plants showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in band areas of amide, lignin, and carbohydrates, suggesting macromolecule modification of cucumber fruit. In addition, compared with control, plants treated with 500 mg kg(-1) had 35% more potassium and 34% more phosphorus. For the first time, μ-XRF and μ-XANES showed root-to-fruit translocation of TiO2 in cucumber without biotransformation. This suggests TiO2 could be introduced into the food chain with unknown consequences.

Impact of nano-CuO stress on rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings

Indiscriminate release of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) into the environment due to anthropogenic activities has become a serious threat to the ecological system including plants. The present study assesses the toxicity of nano-CuO on rice (Oryza sativa cv. Swarna) seedlings. Three different levels of stress (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM and 1.5 mM suspensions of copper II oxide, <50 nm particle size) were imposed and seedling growth performance was studied along control at 7 and 14 d of experiment. Modulation of ascorbate-glutathione cycle, membrane damage, in vivo ROS detection, foliar H₂O₂ and proline accumulation under nano-CuO stress were investigated in detail to get an overview of nano-stress response of rice. Seed germination percentage was significantly reduced under stress. Higher uptake of Evans blue by nano-CuO stressed roots over control indicates loss of root cells viability. Presence of dark blue and deep brown spots on leaves evident after histochemical staining with NBT and DAB respectively indicate severe oxidative burst under nano-copper stress. APX activity was found to be significantly increased in 1.0 and 1.5 mM CuO treatments. Nevertheless, elevated APX activity might be insufficient to scavenge all H₂O₂ produced in excess under nano-CuO stress. That may be the reason why stressed leaves accumulated significantly higher H₂O₂ instead of having enhanced APX activity. In addition, increased GR activity coupled with isolated increase in GSH/GSSG ratio does not seem to prevent cells from oxidative damages, as evident from higher MDA level in leaves of nano-CuO stressed seedlings over control. Enhanced proline accumulation also does not give much protection against nano-CuO stress. Decline in carotenoids level might be another determining factor of meager performance of rice seedlings in combating nano-CuO stress induced oxidative damages.

Abiotic and biotic factors that influence the bioavailability of gold nanoparticles to aquatic macrophytes

This research identified and characterized factors that influenced nanomaterial bioavailability to three aquatic plants: Azolla caroliniana Willd, Egeria densa Planch., and Myriophyllum simulans Orch. Plants were exposed to 4-, 18-, and 30-nm gold nanoparticles. Uptake was influenced by nanoparticle size, the presence of roots on the plant, and dissolved organic carbon in the media. Statistical analysis of the data also revealed that particle uptake was influenced by a 4-way (plant species, plant roots, particle size, and dissolved organic carbon) interaction suggesting nanoparticle bioavailability was a complex result of multiple parameters. Size and species dependent absorption was observed that was dependent on the presence of roots and nanoparticle size. The presence of dissolved organic carbon was found to associate with 4- and 18-nm gold nanoparticles in suspension and form a nanoparticle/organic matter complex that resulted in (1) minimized particle aggregation and (2) a decrease of nanoparticle absorption by the aquatic plants. The same effect was not observed with the 30-nm nanoparticle treatment. These results indicate that multiple factors, both biotic and abiotic, must be taken into account when predicting bioavailability of nanomaterials to aquatic plants.

Effects of magnetite nanoparticles on soybean chlorophyll

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as one of the most innovative and promising application in agriculture. Since plants are recognized as essential component of all ecosystems, the effects of NPs on plants may pave a new insight to the ecosystems. Here, uptake and translocation of superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs), with various surface charges, on soybean has been probed; in addition, the effects of SPIONs on variations of chlorophyll, in hydroponic condition, together with their ability for reduction of iron deficiency chlorosis were explored. We find that SPIONs, which were entered and translocated in the soybean, increased chlorophyll levels, with no trace of toxicity. Furthermore, it was found that physicochemical characteristics of the SPIONs had a crucial role on the enhancement of chlorophyll content in subapical leaves of soybean. The equivalent ratio of chlorophyll a to b, in all treatments with conventional growth medium iron chelate and SPIONs (as iron source), indicated no significant difference on the photosynthesis efficiency. Finally, it was observed that the effect of SPIONs on the soybean chlorophyll content may have influence on both biochemical and enzymatic efficiency in different stages of the photosynthesis reactions.

Fullerene-induced increase of glycosyl residue on living plant cell wall

In this work, we have investigated the change of cell wall for the tobacco plant cell (Nicotiana tobacum L. cv. Bright Yellow) under the repression of water-soluble carboxyfullerenes (C70(C(COOH)2)(2-4)). The adsorption of C70(C(COOH)2)(2-4) on cell wall led to the disruption of cell wall and membrane, and consequently, cell growth inhibition. Results from atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurement and confocal imaging revealed an increase of the glycosyl residue on the cell wall of carboxyfullerene-treated cells, with a time- and dose-dependent manner, and accompanied by the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the stimulation-sensitive alteration of glycosyl residue and ROS was demonstrated, which suggested a possible protection strategy for the plant cells under fullerene repression. This study provides the first direct evidence on the change of plant cell wall composition under the repression of fullerene and is the first successful application of AFM ligand-receptor binding force measurement to the living plant cell. The new information present here would help to a better understanding and assessment of the biological effect of fullerenes on plant.

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on chickpea response to cold stress

Nanoparticles (NPs) in agricultural systems can potentially be used as appropriate candidate for change in growth, development, productivity, and quality of plants. In the present study, we assessed the effect of TiO2 NP concentrations (0, 2, 5, and 10 ppm) on changes of membrane damage indexes like electrolyte leakage index (ELI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) during cold stress (CS) 4 °C in sensitive (ILC 533) and tolerant (Sel 11439) chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes. Aggregation of NPs within the vacuole and chloroplast indicated absorbed NPs in seedlings. Bioaccumulation of NPs showed that, under thermal treatments, the sensitive genotype had more permeability to NPs compared to the tolerant one, and TiO2 content was higher during CS compared to optimum temperature. Physiological indexes were positively affected by NP treatments during thermal treatments. TiO2 NP treatments (especially 5 ppm) caused a decrease in ELI during thermal treatments, whereas ELI content under CS treatment increased at 0 ppm TiO2 in both genotypes. Under thermal treatments, although the genotype 11439 showed lower accumulation of MDA than ILC 533 genotype, a significant decrease was observed in MDA content at 5 ppm TiO2. Results showed that TiO2 treatments not only did not induce oxidative damage in sensitive and tolerant chickpea genotypes but also alleviated membrane damage indexes under CS treatment. It was suggested for the first time that TiO2 NPs improved redox status of the genotypes under thermal treatments. New findings possibly would reveal the use of NPs generally or TiO2 NPs especially for increase of cold tolerance in crops.

Effects of nano-TiO₂ on photosynthetic characteristics of Ulmus elongata seedlings

The physiological and ecological responses of Ulmus elongata to different concentrations of nano-anatase TiO2 solutions were investigated in this study and we found that with foliar application of 0.1% (T1), 0.2% (T2) and 0.4% (T3) nano-anatase TiO2 solution the net photosynthetic rate of U. elongata seedlings were lower, comparing with the control (CK) (no spraying). TiO2 solution had no effect on the carbon isotope values (δ(13)C), indicating the lower photosynthetic capacity was not caused by stomatal limitation. The nitrogen isotope values (δ(15)N) decreased, but the foliar metal elements, such as Mg, K and Mn contents were not affected by nano-anatase TiO2 which promoted the Cu uptake. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the nano-anatase TiO2 enhanced the absorbance of U. elongata leaves, especially for 1064, 1638, 2926 and 3386 cm(-1) bands, indicating the synthesis of carbohydrate and lipid compounds was a kind of mechanism under the toxic effects of nanonanoparticles.

In situ synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping and speciation of CeO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles in soil cultivated soybean (Glycine max)

With the increased use of engineered nanomaterials such as ZnO and CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), these materials will inevitably be released into the environment, with unknown consequences. In addition, the potential storage of these NPs or their biotransformed products in edible/reproductive organs of crop plants can cause them to enter into the food chain and the next plant generation. Few reports thus far have addressed the entire life cycle of plants grown in NP-contaminated soil. Soybean ( Glycine max ) seeds were germinated and grown to full maturity in organic farm soil amended with either ZnO NPs at 500 mg/kg or CeO₂ NPs at 1000 mg/kg. At harvest, synchrotron μ-XRF and μ-XANES analyses were performed on soybean tissues, including pods, to determine the forms of Ce and Zn in NP-treated plants. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies showed no presence of ZnO NPs within tissues. However, μ-XANES data showed O-bound Zn, in a form resembling Zn-citrate, which could be an important Zn complex in the soybean grains. On the other hand, the synchrotron μ-XANES results showed that Ce remained mostly as CeO₂ NPs within the plant. The data also showed that a small percentage of Ce(IV), the oxidation state of Ce in CeO₂ NPs, was biotransformed to Ce(III). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of CeO₂ and Zn compounds in the reproductive/edible portion of the soybean plant grown in farm soil with CeO₂ and ZnO NPs.

Impact of Ag nanoparticle exposure on p,p'-DDE bioaccumulation by Cucurbita pepo (zucchini) and Glycine max (soybean)

The effect of nanoparticle (NP), bulk, or ionic Ag exposure on dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE; DDT metabolite) accumulation by Glycine max L. (soybean) and Cucurbita pepo L. (zucchini) was investigated. The plants were grown in 125-mL jars of vermiculite amended with 500 or 2000 mg/L of bulk or NP Ag; ion controls at 5 and 20 mg/L were established. During 19 d of growth, plants were amended with solution containing 100 ng/mL of p,p'-DDE. Total shoot p,p'-DDE levels in non-Ag exposed G. max and C. pepo were 500 and 970 ng, respectively; total root DDE content was 13,700 and 20,300 ng, respectively. Ag decreased the p,p'-DDE content of G. max tissues by up to 40%, with NP exposure resulting in less contaminant uptake than bulk Ag. Total Ag content of exposed G. max ranged from 50.5 to 373 μg; NP-exposed plants had 1.9-2.2 times greater overall Ag than corresponding bulk particle treatments and also significantly greater relative Ag transport to shoot tissues. Bulk and NP Ag at 500 mg/L suppressed DDE uptake by C. pepo by 21-29%, although Ag exposure at 2000 mg/L had no impact on contaminant uptake. Similar to G. max , C. pepo whole plant Ag content ranged from 50.5 to 182 μg, with tissue element content generally being greater for NP exposed plants. These findings show that the Ag may significantly alter the accumulation and translocation of cocontaminants in agricultural systems. Notably, the cocontaminant interactions vary both with Ag particle size (NP vs bulk) and plant species. Future investigations will be needed to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the cocontaminant interactions and assess the impact on overall exposure and risk.

Comparative uptake and impact of TiO₂ nanoparticles in wheat and rapeseed

Up to 2 million tons per year of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NP) are produced worldwide. This extensive production is postulated to result in release into the environment with subsequent contamination of soils and plants; however, few studies have examined TiO₂-NP uptake and impact on plants. In this study, wheat and rapeseed plantlets were exposed to 14 nm or 25 nm anatase TiO₂-NP in hydroponics conditions, either through root or leaf exposure. Microparticle-induced x-ray emission (μPIXE) coupled with Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) was used to quantify absorbed titanium (Ti). Micro x-ray fluorescence (μXRF) based on synchrotron radiation was used to evaluate Ti distribution in roots and leaves. Our results show that both TiO₂-NP are accumulated in these plantlets upon root exposure and that Ti content is higher in rapeseed than wheat. Ti distribution in root cross sections depended on NP agglomeration state. NP are also accumulated in plantlets upon leaf exposure. Finally, it was found that TiO₂-NP exposure induced increased root elongation but did not affect germination, evapotranspiration, and plant biomass. Taken together, these results confirm that TiO₂-NP may be accumulated in plant crops but may only moderately impact plant development.