Conductive cross-section preparation of non-conductive painting micro-samples for SEM analysis

Transport of Nanoparticles into Plants and Their Detection Methods

Nanoparticle transport into plants is an evolving field of research with diverse applications in agriculture and biotechnology. This article provides an overview of the challenges and prospects associated with the transport of nanoparticles in plants, focusing on delivery methods and the detection of nanoparticles within plant tissues. Passive and assisted delivery methods, including the use of roots and leaves as introduction sites, are discussed, along with their respective advantages and limitations. The barriers encountered in nanoparticle delivery to plants are highlighted, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches (e.g., the stem as a new recognition site) to optimize transport efficiency. In recent years, research efforts have intensified, leading to an evendeeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing the interaction of nanomaterials with plant tissues and cells. Investigations into the uptake pathways and translocation mechanisms within plants have revealed nuanced responses to different types of nanoparticles. Additionally, this article delves into the importance of detection methods for studying nanoparticle localization and quantification within plant tissues. Various techniques are presented as valuable tools for comprehensively understanding nanoparticle-plant interactions. The reliance on multiple detection methods for data validation is emphasized to enhance the reliability of the research findings. The future outlooks of this field are explored, including the potential use of alternative introduction sites, such as stems, and the continued development of nanoparticle formulations that improve adhesion and penetration. By addressing these challenges and fostering multidisciplinary research, the field of nanoparticle transport in plants is poised to make significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

Bulk synthesis of conductive non-metallic carbon nanospheres and a 3D printed carrier device for scanning electron microscope calibration

Herein, a facile method is proposed for the bulk synthesis of conductive non-metallic carbon nanospheres with controllable morphology to replace conventional metal calibration reference materials (CRMs), such as gold nanoparticles and copper grids. The prepared nanospheres had an average diameter of ∼222 ± 23 nm, where silicon dioxide formed the core and the shell was comprised of the carbon layer. The structure of the conductive carbon nanospheres was characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS and TEM. Additionally, an innovative design was demonstrated by 3D printing the calibration carrier device. Furthermore, the stability and image linear distortion of the conductive carbon nanospheres were verified using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results demonstrated that the accelerating voltage, magnification, and various positions in the X/Y axes had no significant effect on measured diameter of nanospheres, which was evident from all the p values being greater than 0.05. The comprehensive set of results reveal that conductive carbon nanospheres have great potential to replace traditional CRMs.