An Insight into Enhanced Roles of Plant and Microbial Nanobionics

Abstract

Plant nanobionics is an interdisciplinary field of science with the concepts of plant biology and nanotechnology applied. The field is in the developing stage with various applications, including photosynthesis enhancement, light-emitting plants, sensors, and energy harvesting from plant organelles. For instance, advanced nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes are inserted in plant tissues to achieve various functions. The photosynthesis process can be enhanced by improving light absorption using single-walled carbon nanotubes that are impregnated in the leaves of plants. Plants are able to emit light when various nanostructures are encapsulated inside. Plant fuel cells can be constructed by embedding nanomaterials in the plant organelles for energy generation. On the other hand, various sensing devices have been developed for agriculture using plant nanobionics, which detect pollutants, toxic chemicals, and soil moisture. These devices are expected to be superior to the conventional sensors used in agriculture. Apart from that, microorganisms can be used as catalysts for energy generation and wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cells. In this study, microbial nanobionics are discussed for the nanomaterials coated on the electrodes of a microbial fuel cell to improve electron transfer and biofilm formation.