Abstract:
Purpose: Nanotechnology has evolved as an effective tool in numerous fields including agriculture,
medicine and engineering. Recently it’s potential as an alternative genetic transformation method has been
identified. However, a comprehensive understanding over nanoparticles and their behavior in living cells
is important to realize the full potential of this technology in biotechnological applications. Therefore, we
review the application potential of widely employed nanoparticles in plant transformation here.
Literature/Background: Development of new crop varieties with desirable traits via biotechnological
applications is a solution for challenges associated with climate change and higher population growth.
In such aspects, transformation of plant cells which is known as the process of changing one’s genome
by integration exogenous DNA, is an absolute necessity and results far better and improved stable
characteristics in original. Rigid and multi layered cell wall impedes penetration of exterior biomolecules
and hence causes the transformation process complicated. Even though, numerous conventional methods
have been established for plant transformation, lower transformation efficiency, tissue damage and random
integration of transgenes warrants the need for novel approaches. In this context, novel techniques have
been explored and as a result nanoparticles have been found effective in transformation of protoplasts as
well as intact plant cells. Nanoparticles internalized either via endocytosis or direct penetration release
transgenes from nanoparticle-DNA complexes and result in transient or stable expression. Nanoparticles
ensure higher transformation efficiency, no transgenic silencing and protection of biogenic molecules from
degradation by intracellular nucleases.
