Interaction of carbon nanotubes with plant system: a review

Recent years have witnessed remarkable development in the field of nanotechnology and it has been affirmed that carbon-based nanomaterials have wide applications in agriculture, industrial, biomedical and environmental sectors. Due to distinctive physicochemical properties of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they have been extensively utilized in plant science as a growth promoter, and thus, could be a boon for biomass production of agricultural products. Studies suggest that CNTs help increase the plant's ability to absorb water and essential nutrients, thereby increasing growth. Apart from this, CNTs have been scrutinized for their utilization in genetic engineering for the delivery of genes, proteins or drugs. However, the literature discloses mixed effects of CNTs exposure on plants like in inducing oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, studies concerning CNTs interaction with plant system is at a nascent stage and needs further investigations to explore the mechanisms influencing the growth and toxicity in plants. Therefore, this review attempts to highlight the current literature on CNTs (including both single walled and multi walled) exposure on plants. It also explores unresolved challenges, as well as recommendations to ensure sustainable development of CNTs while minimizing any possible adverse health impacts.