Application of metal nanoparticles in space plant cultivation
Abstract
Higher plants are an important part of the controlled ecological life support system in space. Higher plants can produce food and moisture by photosynthesis, and absorb CO2 to produce oxygen to meet the astronauts' survival needs. Higher plants can also regulate the astronauts 'emotions in a long-term closed environment. . Metal nanoparticles have the characteristics of small particle size, large surface area, and large surface binding energy so that they can be more easily absorbed by plants than other common fertilizers. Metal nanoparticle is a kind of very ideal new fertilizer for plant cultivation in space, which is conducive to improving the effectiveness of fertilizers and promoting plant growth and development. We use evaporation condensation method to synthesize three metal nanoparticles of iron, copper and zinc. The average diameter of iron nanoparticle is 27.0 ± 0.51nm. The average diameter of zinc nanoparticle is 54.0 ± 2.8nm. The average diameter of copper nanoparticle is 79.0 ± 1.24 nm. The composition of iron nanoparticles includes crystalline elemental iron (53.6%) and iron oxide (Fe3O4, 46.4%). The thickness of the nano-iron oxide film is 3.5 nm. Both of nano-zinc and nano-copper are crystalline elemental metal phases, and the thickness of their oxide film is 0.5-1.0 nm. Metal nanoparticles can be used in plant tissue culture. Metal nanoparticles are introduced into MS culture medium to replace the corresponding metal salts. Metal nanoparticles with appropriate concentration of iron, zinc, and copper have obvious promoting effects on plant root length, root vitality, chlorophyll content, and biomass. Metal nanoparticles can also be used in plant seed coating. Metal nanoparticles are added to the plant seed coating agent at a certain concentration for seed coating. After planting in the field, plant yields are significantly increased, such as wheat by 17.3% and tomatoes by 21.8%. The application of metal nanoparticles can also improve the nutritional content of fruits. Metal nanoparticles of iron, zinc and copper can increase the lycopene and protein content of tomato fruits. And they can also promote plant growth and development and increase the yield. The role of nano-iron is more prominent than nano-zinc and nano-copper. The application of nanobiotechnology to the cultivation of higher plants in space is of great significance for improving plant biomass and serving space life support systems.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E2036N