Interaction of silver nanoparticles with plants: A focus on the phytotoxicity, underlying mechanism, and alleviation strategies

Abstract

The unprecedented increase in the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in domestic and industrial applications has led to their gradual accumulation in plant systems, posing a severe threat to the environment. Given that these silver NPs (AgNPs), are well known to be frequently employed nanomaterials (NMs) in commercial applications. So, it raises substantial concern regarding their accumulation, interaction, and subsequent adverse impacts on the plant. It is crucial to comprehend the effects of these novel technologies on plant health, such as nano fertilisers that contain materials like AgNPs, as the agricultural sector embraces them. Studying the possible phytotoxic effects of these NPs is not only a scientific need but also a duty to protect the stability and safety of our food systems, as plants are essential to life on Earth. In order to close the gap between environmental sustainability and technological growth, this exploration is crucial. The present review highlights the AgNPs' uptake and translocation in plants and the subsequent phytotoxic effect witnessed by estimating plants' morphological, physiological, molecular, and biochemical parameters. Additionally, the paper summarizes alleviation strategies that could help to bypass NP-mediated stress through detoxification mechanisms.