Next generation nanocarriers in plant genetic engineering and agrochemical delivery: A recent overview

In plant genetic engineering and agrochemicals application, nanocarriers have emerged as efficient and innovative delivery system. Nanocarriers address limitations of conventional techniques. For facilitated transport of genetic material, proteins, and agrochemicals across the challenging barrier of plant cell wall, Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and nanohybrids are used as key classes of nanocarriers. CNTs are good at penetrating plant cell walls and membranes, promoting effective delivery of DNA, RNA, and nutrients to various cell organelles of certain plant species. MNPs can be used for targeted delivery under the external influence of magnetic field, improving site-specific editing of genome and agrochemicals application. Nanohybrids, integrating organic and inorganic nanomaterials, provide versatility with enhanced loading capacity and controlled release properties. These nanocarrier technologies are demonstrated across selected model plant systems and to some extents are still limited to laboratory-scale experiments. However, they have the capacity to improve efficiency of transformation and productivity of crops, showing positive trends for sustainable agriculture. Nanohybrids as nanocarriers enhance plant cellular uptake mechanism, and are potential tools in genome engineering for crop improvement and agrochemicals delivery.