ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION OF UPTAKE OF NANOPARTICLES IN PLANT

ROOTS
Brandon Wolfson, Brandon Ikeman, Eric Calkins, Briana Lee, Smruti Das, Swadeshmukul Santra, Laurene Tetard
Nanoscience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Abstract
The interest in understanding nanoparticles-cell interactions is
increasing due to the ubiquitous presence of nanoparticles in our
society. The purpose of our study is to explore nanoparticles uptake
and translocation in plants, using a Piscum Sativum model. To do so,
we characterized Piscum Sativum at the nanoscale using imaging and
spectroscopy techniques. The plants were grown and then soaked in
solutions of various concentrations of manganese-doped NAC coated
cadmium sulphide quantum dots. Cross-sections of the roots and
stems collected every day for five days were then mapped at the
cortex and vascular cylinder using Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic
Force Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Analysis of
the samples show uptake of nanoparticles to varying degrees. We
expect our findings to have various implications in fundamental
research and industrial applications.

Motivations
Advancements in utilizing nanoparticles to probe biosystems allows
for a broader array of complex biomedical functions, further allowing
research that will employ smarter and smaller particles. Nanoparticles
that are associated with plants are said to have characteristics that
possess properties that uniquely fit biomedical and industrial
conditions. This uptake of nanoparticles in the plants helps to
understand the penetration of similar nanoparticles into other
ecosystems that would affect people such as water, soil, and air. The
results of this study lay the foundation for new forms of protection
against adverse weather conditions, insect consumption, and
susceptibility to bacterial and viral strains. Furthermore, by
establishing a stronger understanding of the behavior and movements
of nanoparticles, the research allows the ability to create better
methods at directing the nanoparticles, combined with therapeutic
agents, to the intended site. In summation, based on the results of this
study about nanoparticle uptake by plants, methods could be created
to improve ailments with more nutrients, as well as, establish new and
more effective routes for drug delivery.

Techniques
Control (plant a)

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a

type of scanning probe microscopy
capable of producing extremely high
resolution images in ambient conditions.
The image is formed by rastering a
probe (cantilever) across the surface of a
sample (the plant cells) and monitoring
the deflection of the probe with a
reflecting off the top of the cantilever.

Day 1

Day 5

caption
Concentration 1 (Plant b)
Raman Spectroscopy is based on scattering of a photon as a result of
complete an incident wave. On average, 0.0000001% of the total
scatter of a particle is Raman Scatter . In our experiment, upon
excitation from an excitation laser at =532nm, the molecules of the
sample change in polarization,,, . Due to a weak natured scatter the
deflector filtrates the signal which can then be used for recognition of
atomic or molecular content within the substance. Raman
Spectroscopy is ideal for biological samples because it is noninvasive.
Principle of Raman Spectroscopy

1.566E5 CCD cts

1.656E5 CCD cts

1.544E5 CCD cts

1.763E5 CCD cts

1.441E5
CCD cts

Excitation Laser (520 nm)

Elastic Scattering
1.575E5 CCD cts

Raman Wave
(Different wavelength)
Inelastic Scattering

1.762E5 CCD cts

Concentration
8 (plant i)
1.441E5
5.432E5
CCD cts

CCD cts

Background subtraction and Cosmic Rays removal was performed

on all Raman data sets prior to image analysis using the algorithm
embedded in the Witec Project software.

Results and Discussions

(Above) Raman Imaging with parallel microscopic regions

Experimental methods

1.532E5 CCD cts

1.688E5 CCD cts

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1.823E5 CCD cts

(Left) Chemical maps of CdS nanoparticles

uptake by plant roots

Piscum Sativum plants were grown simultaneously (in triplicates)

over 15 days in lab conditions (65-70F, 50% Humidity, indoor
lighting), and watered twice a day

Sum filter

After the 15th day, the roots of the plants were soaked in a
manganese-doped NAC coated cadmium sulphide quantum dots
solutions of varying concentrations (from 2g/ml to 180g/ml)
Cross section of the roots were prepared for each concentration.

Results and
Discussions

(Above)
(a)Control (b)Concentration 1 (c)Concentration 2 (d)Concentration 3
(e)Concentration 4 (f)Concentration 5 (g)Concentration 6
(h)Concentration 7 (i)Concentration 8

K-mean filter

Adv. fitting

(a) control (b) conc. 1 (c) conc. 2 (d) conc. 3 (e) conc. 4
(f) conc. 5 (g) conc.
(h) conc. 7 (i) conc. 8
CdS 6rich

We acknowledge the U
NanoScience Technology C
Brandon Ikemans work w
Program.

region

Acknowledgements