Science-fiction writers have long envisioned human–machine hybrids that wield extraordinary powers. However, “super plants” with integrated nanomaterials may be much closer to reality than cyborgs.
Today, scientists report the development of plants that can make nanomaterials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and the application of MOFs as coatings on plants. The augmented plants could potentially perform useful new functions, such as sensing chemicals or harvesting light more efficiently.
The researchers will present their results today at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2019 National Meeting & Exposition. ACS, the world’s largest scientific society, is holding the meeting here through Thursday. It features nearly 13,000 presentations on a wide range of science topics.
According to the project’s lead researcher, Joseph Richardson, Ph.D., humans have been introducing foreign materials to plants for thousands of years. “One example of this is flower dyeing,” he says. “You’d immerse a cut flower stem into some dye, and the dye would be taken up through the stem and penetrate into the flower petals, and then you’d see these beautiful colors.”
Because of their extensive vascular networks, plants readily absorb water and molecules dissolved in fluids. However, it’s more difficult for larger materials and nanoparticles such as MOFs to penetrate roots. So Richardson and colleagues at the University of Melbourne (Australia) wondered if they could feed plants MOF precursors, which the plants would absorb and then convert into finished nanomaterials.
MOFs –– which consist of metal ions or clusters linked to organic molecules –– form highly porous crystals that can sop up, store and release other molecules, much like a sponge. Chemists have made thousands of different MOFs so far, with potential applications ranging from storing hydrogen fuel to absorbing greenhouse gases to delivering medications within the body. Having plants make small amounts of these useful compounds in their own tissues could give them new abilities not seen in nature.
To see whether plants could make MOFs, Richardson and colleagues added metal salts and organic linkers to water and then placed cuttings or intact plants into the solution. The plants transported the precursors into their tissues, where two different types of fluorescent MOF crystals grew. In a proof-of-concept experiment, MOF-producing lotus plant clippings detected small concentrations of acetone in water, as shown by a decrease in fluorescence of the materials. Based on these results, Richardson plans to explore whether plant-MOF hybrids could sense explosives or other volatile chemicals, which could be useful for airport security.
In addition to having the plants make MOFs, the finished materials could be used as a coating on the plants to help them convert harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays into light that’s more useful for photosynthesis. “As we contemplate growing crops in space or on Mars where you don’t have an atmosphere and are bombarded by UV rays, something like this could be helpful,” Richardson says. “That’s because it not only protects the plants from the UV rays, but it also turns them into useful energy. Especially as you get farther away from the sun, it’s harder to capture all of the light you’d need for photosynthesis.”
The researchers have already started examining the protective abilities of the nanomaterials, and the preliminary data are promising. The team coated clippings of chrysanthemum and lilyturf with luminescent MOFs and then exposed the plants to UVC light for three hours. Compared with uncoated clippings, the plants with MOFs showed less wilting and bleaching.
Now, Richardson is teaming up with plant biologists to study the effects of MOFs on plant growth. So far, they haven’t noticed any toxicity of the nanomaterials. The researchers also want to explore whether MOFs could actually help plants grow better, which may lead to applications in agriculture.
Learn more: Nanomaterials Give Plants ‘Super’ Abilities
The Latest on: Super plants
[google_news title=”” keyword=”super plants” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Super plants
- 22nd May: Jukembayev And Redkach Promise Chaos In Plant City On Pro Box Promotions TVon May 17, 2024 at 9:39 am
Formidable super lightweight contender Batyrzhan Jukembayev (22-1) will come to blows with the tough ‘El Terrible’ Ukrainian Ivan Redkach (24-6-1) in Plant ...
- A Natural Wine and Plant Shop Is Coming to Cleveland Parkon May 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm
A natural wine and plant shop called Vinery is coming to Cleveland Park this ... “We’re going to have more traditional leaning flavors all the way to super funky,” Thompson says, in addition to some ...
- Dietitians reveal the healthiest seed you can eat: ‘Truly a super seed’on May 16, 2024 at 2:01 pm
ounce contains 160 calories, 8 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fiber.
- Target’s Selling a “Super Cute” $15 Find That Brings the Garden Vibes Insideon May 16, 2024 at 1:15 pm
Maybe you’ve already perused Etsy in search of the perfect preserved moss art for your space because they’re honestly so beautiful, especially if you’re a plant lover ... $15 at Target “Super cute and ...
- 14 Foliage Plants to Enhance Any Roomon May 16, 2024 at 9:39 am
My mom’s had the same ficus for more than 50 years now. It’s moved with us from east coast to west. It’s also become our holiday tree, which we decorate yearly with colored lights and ornaments. Turns ...
- Plant perennial porterweed to pull in the pollinators (and it's pretty, too)on May 14, 2024 at 3:01 am
For the most blooms, plant in full sun, but plants will also do well in partial shade. Porterweed prefers a well-drained soil and does not tolerate standing water. Once established, it can tolerate ...
- Scientists Supercharge Photosynthesis To Develop “Carbon Gobbling” Super Plantson May 13, 2024 at 7:02 pm
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism of a crucial enzyme, described as "hidden in nature’s blueprint," illuminating how cells control key processes in carbon fixation, a process fundamental for ...
- What to Plant in May for a Thriving Spring, Summer, and Even Fall Gardenon May 13, 2024 at 1:52 pm
May is when you can finally begin to plant species that won’t tolerate frost, as well as those that require heat. These are our favorites.
- More desalination is coming to Australia's driest states—but super-salty outflows could trash ecosystems and fisherieson May 13, 2024 at 10:31 am
Australia was gripped by the millennium drought. As water shortages bit hard, most of Australia's capital cities built large seawater desalination plants—Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and ...
- 7 plants that repel ticks and keep them away from your yardon May 9, 2024 at 4:59 pm
So it’s a super plant repellent! It’s also worth noting that these blooms are known to be toxic to both cats and dogs, so keep pets away where possible. As the Homes Content Editor ...
via Bing News