Developing nanomaterials to enhance and future-proof crop yields

Plants are critical for food security, carbon capture and the production of many of the materials we rely on. Novel ways to enhance plant growth and productivity are being investigated, and one of these is by looking at modifying plants at the nanoscale. Plants produce nanostructures of their own that can enhance light capture for photosynthesis, and these nanostructures can be investigated for their own contribution or act as inspiration for synthetic nanomaterials. A currently emerging area of research is the use of nanomaterials to enhance plant growth and reduce the amount of fertilizers or pesticides used.

We are currently developing carbon nanomaterials which are based on materials that are produced naturally and we know to be biodegradable. We have found that we can use these either to directly enhance photosynthesis or as a as a way to deliver specific nucleotides (DNA or RNA) that then transiently modify plant responses to biotic or abiotic stresses. As they are water soluble and are taken up by the plant, it is a very easy and flexible way to achieve improvements in plants growth and productivity. Projects looking at ways to use and optimise this technology are available.