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Zhao T, Ren M, Shi J, Wang H, Bai J, Du W, Xiang B. Engineering the protein corona: Strategies, effects, and future directions in nanoparticle therapeutics. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116627. [PMID: 38653112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) serve as versatile delivery systems for anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant agents. The manipulation of protein-NP interactions within biological systems is crucial to the application of NPs in drug delivery and cancer nanotherapeutics. The protein corona (PC) that forms on the surface of NPs is the interface between biomacromolecules and NPs and significantly influences their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Upon encountering proteins, NPs undergo surface alterations that facilitate their clearance from circulation by the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS). PC behavior depends largely on the biological microenvironment and the physicochemical properties of the NPs. This review describes various strategies employed to engineer PC compositions on NP surfaces. The effects of NP characteristics such as size, shape, surface modification and protein precoating on PC performance were explored. In addition, this study addresses these challenges and guides the future directions of this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mingli Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiajie Shi
- Department of Breast Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Haijiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Wenli Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Bai Xiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Ahmad S, Ahmad N, Islam MS, Ahmad MA, Ercisli S, Ullah R, Bari A, Munir I. Rice seeds biofortification using biogenic ıron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by using Glycyrrhiza glabra: a study on growth and yield ımprovement. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12368. [PMID: 38811671 PMCID: PMC11137158 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV-Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Ahmad
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Nayab Ahmad
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Md Shahinoor Islam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
- Department of Textile Engineering, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Mian Afaq Ahmad
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Sezai Ercisli
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Bari
- Department of Pharmacognosy College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iqbal Munir
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
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Bao T, Damtie MM, Wang CY, Li CL, Chen Z, Cho K, Wei W, Yuan P, Frost RL, Ni BJ. Iron-containing nanominerals for sustainable phosphate management: A comprehensive review and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:172025. [PMID: 38554954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Adsorption, which is a quick and effective method for phosphate management, can effectively address the crisis of phosphorus mineral resources and control eutrophication. Phosphate management systems typically use iron-containing nanominerals (ICNs) with large surface areas and high activity, as well as modified ICNs (mICNs). This paper comprehensively reviews phosphate management by ICNs and mICNs in different water environments. mICNs have a higher affinity for phosphates than ICNs. Phosphate adsorption on ICNs and mICNs occurs through mechanisms such as surface complexation, surface precipitation, electrostatic ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction. Ionic strength influences phosphate adsorption by changing the surface potential and isoelectric point of ICNs and mICNs. Anions exhibit inhibitory effects on ICNs and mICNs in phosphate adsorption, while cations display a promoting effect. More importantly, high concentrations and molecular weights of natural organic matter can inhibit phosphate adsorption by ICNs and mICNs. Sodium hydroxide has high regeneration capability for ICNs and mICNs. Compared to ICNs with high crystallinity, those with low crystallinity are less likely to desorb. ICNs and mICNs can effectively manage municipal wastewater, eutrophic seawater, and eutrophic lakes. Adsorption of ICNs and mICNs saturated with phosphate can be used as fertilizers in agricultural production. Notably, mICNs and ICNs have positive and negative effects on microorganisms and aquatic organisms in soil. Finally, this study introduces the following: trends and prospects of machine learning-guided mICN design, novel methods for modified ICNs, mICN regeneration, development of mICNs with high adsorption capacity and selectivity for phosphate, investigation of competing ions in different water environments by mICNs, and trends and prospects of in-depth research on the adsorption mechanism of phosphate by weakly crystalline ferrihydrite. This comprehensive review can provide novel insights into the research on high-performance mICNs for phosphate management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Bao
- School of Biology, Food and Environment Engineering, Hefei University, China; Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, 2 Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, South Korea; Nanotechnology and Molecular Science Discipline, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Mekdimu Mezemir Damtie
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Water Resources Engineering Department, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, P.O. Box 1888, Ethiopia
| | - Chu Yan Wang
- School of Biology, Food and Environment Engineering, Hefei University, China
| | - Cheng Long Li
- School of Biology, Food and Environment Engineering, Hefei University, China
| | - Zhijie Chen
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kuk Cho
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, 2 Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, South Korea
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peng Yuan
- KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ray L Frost
- Nanotechnology and Molecular Science Discipline, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Liu J, Yang F, Hu J, Zhang X. Nanoparticles for efficient drug delivery and drug resistance in glioma: New perspectives. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14715. [PMID: 38708806 PMCID: PMC11071172 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) having the highest incidence, and their therapeutic efficacy depends primarily on the extent of surgical resection and the efficacy of postoperative chemotherapy. The role of the intracranial blood-brain barrier and the occurrence of the drug-resistant gene O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase have greatly limited the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in patients with GBM and made it difficult to achieve the expected clinical response. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has brought new hope for the treatment of tumors. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in tumor therapy due to their unique properties such as light, heat, electromagnetic effects, and passive targeting. Furthermore, NPs can effectively load chemotherapeutic drugs, significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy, showing great potential in the chemotherapy of glioma. In this article, we reviewed the mechanisms of glioma drug resistance, the physicochemical properties of NPs, and recent advances in NPs in glioma chemotherapy resistance. We aimed to provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgerythe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cardiologythe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Jinqu Hu
- Department of Neurosurgerythe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiuchun Zhang
- Department of Neurologythe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Anwar A, Wang Y, Chen M, Zhang S, Wang J, Feng Y, Xue Y, Zhao M, Su W, Chen R, Song S. Zero-valent iron (nZVI) nanoparticles mediate SlERF1 expression to enhance cadmium stress tolerance in tomato. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133829. [PMID: 38394894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) pollution threatens plant physiological and biochemical activities and crop production. Significant progress has been made in characterizing how nanoparticles affect Cd stress tolerance; however, the molecular mechanism of nZVI nanoparticles in Cd stress remains largely uncharacterized. Plants treated with nZVI and exposed to Cd had increased antioxidant capacity and reduced Cd accumulation in plant tissues. The nZVI treatment differentially affected the expression of genes involved in plant environmental responses, including those associated with the ERF transcription factor. SlEFR1 was upregulated by Cd stress in nZVI-treated plants when compared with the control and the predicted protein-protein interactions suggested SlERF1 interacts with proteins associated with plant hormone signaling pathway and related to stress. Yeast overexpressing SlEFR1 grew faster after Cd exposure and significantly had higher Cd stress tolerance when compared with empty vector controls. These results suggest that nZVI induces Cd stress tolerance by activating SlERF1 expression to improve plant growth and nutrient accumulation. Our study reveals the molecular mechanism of Cd stress tolerance for improved plant growth and will support new research on overcoming Cd stress and improving vegetable crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Anwar
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yudan Wang
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Chen
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuaiwei Zhang
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinmiao Wang
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunqiang Feng
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxu Xue
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Su
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Riyuan Chen
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Song
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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Wang W, Yang L, Gao D, Yu M, Jiang S, Li J, Zhang J, Feng X, Tan W, Liu F, Yin M, Yin H. Characteristics of iron (hydr)oxides and Cr(VI) retention mechanisms in soils from tropical and subtropical areas of China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133107. [PMID: 38043424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Though both iron (hydr)oxides and soil organic matter (SOM) significantly influence heavy metal behaviors in soils, studies on the characteristics of natural minerals and the synergic effects of the two on Cr(VI) transformation are limited. This study investigated Cr(VI) retention mechanisms in four soils from tropical and subtropical regions of China based on a comprehensive characterization of Fe (hydr)oxides. These soils exhibited varying quantities of hematite, ferrihydrite and goethite, with distinct Al substitution levels and varied exposed crystallographic facets. Adsorption experiments revealed a positive correlation between Fe (hydr)oxide content and Cr(VI) fixation amount on colloid, which was influenced by the mineral types, Al substitution levels and facet exposures. Further, Cr(VI) was sequestered on soil by adsorption and reduction. In soils enriched with crystalline Fe (hydr)oxides, Cr(VI) reduction was primarily governed by SOM, while in soils enriched with poorly crystalline Fe (hydr)oxides, mineral-associated Fe(II) also contributed to Cr(VI) reduction. Aging experiments demonstrated that SOM and mineral-associated Fe(II) expedited Cr (VI) passivation and diminished the Cr leaching. These results improve our understanding of natural Fe (hydr)oxide structures and their impact on Cr(VI) behavior in soils, and shed light on complex soil-contaminant interactions and remediation of Cr(VI) polluted soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Minghao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuqi Jiang
- Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiangshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xionghan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenfeng Tan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ming Yin
- Shiyan Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Hubei Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, Shiyan 442000, China.
| | - Hui Yin
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtse River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Health and Green Remediation, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Wang T, Xu Y, Ling W, Mosa A, Liu S, Lin Z, Wang H, Hu X. Dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes is regulated by iron oxides: Insight into the influence on bacterial transformation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108499. [PMID: 38368718 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The transportation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in manure-soil-plant continuums poses risks to human health. Horizontal gene transfer, particularly for bacterial transformation, is an important way for ARG dissemination. As crucial components in soils, iron oxides impacted the fates of various abiotic and biotic contaminants due to their active properties. However, whether they can influence the transformation of ARGs is unknown, which waits to be figured out to boost the assessment and control of ARG spread risks. In this study, we have investigated the effects of goethite, hematite, and magnetite (0-250 mg/L, with sizes < 100 nm and > 100 nm) on the transfer of ampicillin resistance genes to Escherichia coli cells. At lower iron oxide concentrations, the transformation of ARGs was first facilitated (transformation frequency reached up to 3.38-fold higher), but the facilitating effects gradually weakened and eventually disappeared as concentrations further increased. Particle size and iron oxide type were not the universal determinants controlling the transformation. At lower concentrations, iron oxides interacted with proteins and phospholipids in E. coli envelope structures, and induced the overgeneration of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Consequently, they led to pore formation and permeability enhancement on the cell membrane, thus promoting the transformation. The facilitation was also associated with the carrier-like effect of iron oxides for antibiotic resistance plasmids. At higher concentrations, the weakened facilitations were attributed to the aggregation of iron oxides. In this study, we highlight the crucial roles of the concentrations (contents) of iron oxides on the dissemination of ARGs in soils; this study may serve as a reference for ARG pollution control in future agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yanxing Xu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Wanting Ling
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Ahmed Mosa
- Soils Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Si Liu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Lin
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Hefei Wang
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Hu
- Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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Murgia I, Morandini P. Plant Iron Research in African Countries: Current "Hot Spots", Approaches, and Potentialities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:14. [PMID: 38202322 PMCID: PMC10780554 DOI: 10.3390/plants13010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plant iron (Fe) nutrition and metabolism is a fascinating and challenging research topic; understanding the role of Fe in the life cycle of plants requires knowledge of Fe chemistry and biochemistry and their impact during development. Plant Fe nutritional status is dependent on several factors, including the surrounding biotic and abiotic environments, and influences crop yield and the nutritional quality of edible parts. The relevance of plant Fe research will further increase globally, particularly for Africa, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050. The aim of this review is to provide an updated picture of plant Fe research conducted in African countries to favor its dissemination within the scientific community. Three main research hotspots have emerged, and all of them are related to the production of plants of superior quality, i.e., development of Fe-dense crops, development of varieties resilient to Fe toxicity, and alleviation of Fe deficiency, by means of Fe nanoparticles for sustainable agriculture. An intensification of research collaborations between the African research groups and plant Fe groups worldwide would be beneficial for the progression of the identified research topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Murgia
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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