Plant tissue culture techniques represent an important field of plant biotechnology. Many
of these techniques are associated with recurring challenges that could potentially be
reduced through the use of nanoparticles. The addition of inorganic nanoparticles as
disinfecting agents or as components of culture media may decrease the occurrence of
microbial contamination in plant explants. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites may also
improve the efficiency of direct methods for introducing genetic material, such as
biolistics. The addition of nanoparticles to culture media can stimulate the biosynthesis
and accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, and may also
influence the occurrence of somaclonal variation. Nanoparticles are also being
investigated as potential additives for optimizing cryopreservation procedures. In all of
these applications, the concentration of nanoparticles is of great importance, as excessive
concentrations may cause phytotoxic and cytotoxic effects.
|