Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of Copper Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on Crop Plants: a Mini Review

  • Published:
BioNanoScience Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) received great attention due to their unique properties and beneficiary applications in various sectors. The rapid growth of NPs production and its abundant uses create additional risks on an anthropogenically modified ecosystem, and consequently on human beings. The main aim of this review article is to explore the possible threats imposed by CuO NPs on cultivated crop plants. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science portals for the literature review to get latest updated information and developments in the field of toxicity of CuO NPs on cultivated plants. This review article clearly denoted the toxic effects of CuO NPs on cultivated crop plants by inhibiting seed germination, decreases in the shoot and root lengths, reduction in photosynthesis and respiration rate, and morphological as well enzymatic changes. The information is significant to researchers and policymakers to define limits and future prospectives.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Keller, A. A., & Lazareva, A. (2014). Predicted releases of engineered nanomaterials: From global to regional to local. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 1, 65–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Salata, O. V. (2004). Applications of nanoparticles in biology and medicine. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2, 3.

  3. Servin, A. D., De la Torre-Roche, R., Castillo-Michel, H., Pagano, L., Hawthorne, J., Musante, C., Pignatello, J., Uchimiya, M., & White, J. C. (2016). Exposure of agricultural crops to nanoparticle CeO2 in biochar-amended soil. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 110, 147–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Weir, A., Westerhoff, P., Fabricius, L., Hristovski, K., & von Goetz, N. (2012). Titanium dioxide nanoparticles in food and personal care products. Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 2242–2250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Yadav, T., Mungray, A. A., & Mungray, A. K. (2014). Fabricated nanoparticles: current status and potential phytotoxic threats. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 230, 83–110.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Josko, I., Oleszczuk, P., & Futa, B. (2014). The effect of inorganic nanoparticles (ZnO, Cr2O3, CuO and Ni) and their bulk counterparts on enzyme activities in different soils. Geoderma, 232, 528–537.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Rajput, V. D., Tatiana, M., Svetlana, S., Viktoriia, T., Saglara, M.,  Andrey, G.,  Dina, N., & Natalya, G.  (2017). Effect of nanoparticles on crops and soil microbial communities. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1793-2.

  8. BBC. (2015) Nanotechnology in environmental applications: the global market. ​Nano, 39C. ​https://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/nanotechnology. Accessed 15 May 2017.

  9. BBC. (2017). Global markets for nanocomposites, nanoparticles, nanoclays, and nanotubes. Nano, 21G. ​https://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/nanotechnology. Accessed 15 May 2017.

  10. Rico, C. M., Majumdar, S., Duarte-Gardea, M., Peralta-Videa, J. R., & Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. (2011). Interaction of nanoparticles with edible plants and their possible implications in the food chain. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 59, 3485–3498.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Atha, D. H., Wang, H., Petersen, E. J., Cleveland, D., Holbrook, R. D., Jaruga, P., Dizdaroglu, M., Xing, B., & Nelson, B. C. (2012). Copper oxide nanoparticle mediated DNA damage in terrestrial plant models. Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 1819–1827.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Powers, K. W., Brown, S. C., Krishna, V. B., Wasdo, S. C., Moudgil, B. M., & Roberts, S. M. (2006). Research strategies for safety evaluation of nanomaterials. Part VI characterization of nanoscale particles for toxicological evaluation. Toxicological Sciences, 90, 296–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. (2004). Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties. Royal Society Policy Document 19/04. London: Royal Society. https://royalsociety.org/~/media/Royal_Society_Content/policy/publications/2004/9693.pdf. Accessed 07 Mar 2017.

  14. Handy, R. D., & Shaw, B. J. (2007). Toxic effects of nanoparticles and nanomaterials: implications for public health, risk assessment and the public perception of nanotechnology. Health Risk & Society, 9, 125–144.

  15. Chibber, S., Ansari, S. A., & Satar, R. (2013). New vision to CuO, ZnO, and TiO2 nanoparticles: their outcome and effects. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 15, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Sommer, A. L. (1931). Copper as an essential for plant growth. Plant Physiology, 6, 339–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Rafique, M., Shaikh, A. J., Rasheed, R., Tahir, M. B., Bakhat, H. F., Rafique, M. S., & Rabbani, F. (2017). A review on synthesis, characterization and applications of copper nanoparticles using green method. Nano, 12, 04.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. An, Y. J. (2006). Assessment of comparative toxicities of lead and copper using plant assay. Chemosphere, 62, 1359–1365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Baker, D. E., & Senef, J. P. (1995). Copper. In B. J. Alloy (Ed.), Heavy metals in soils (pp. 179–205). London: Blackie Academic and Professional.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  20. Hänsch, R., & Mendel, R. R. (2009). Physiological functions of mineral micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Mo, B, Cl). Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 12, 259–266.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Ivask, A., Bondarenko, O., Jepihhina, N., & Kahru, A. (2010). Profiling of the reactive oxygen species related ecotoxicity of CuO, ZnO, TiO2, silver and fullerene nanoparticles using a set of recombinant luminescent Escherichia coli strains: differentiating the impact of particles and solubilised metals. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 398, 701–716.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Valko, M., Morris, H., & Cronin, M. T. (2005). Metals, toxicity and oxidative stress. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 12, 1161–1208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Ahamed, M., Siddiqui, M. A., Akhtar, M. J., Ahmad, I., Pant, A. B., & Alhadlaq, H. A. (2010). Genotoxic potential of copper oxide nanoparticles in human lung epithelial cells. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 396, 578–583.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Sharma, D., Kanchi, S., & Bisetty, K. (2015). Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles: a review. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2015.11.002.

  25. Kumar, P. P. N. V., Shameem, K. P., Kalyani, R. L., & Pammi, S. V. N. (2015). Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using aloe vera leaf extract and its antibacterial activity against fish bacterial pathogens. BioNanoScience, 5, 135–139.

  26. Kasana, R. C., Panwar, N. R., Kaul, R. K., & Kumar, P. (2017). Biosynthesis and effects of copper nanoparticles on plants. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 15, 233–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Shams, M., Yildirim, E., Agar, G., Ercisli, S., Dursun, A., Ekinci, M., & Kul, R. (2018). Nitric oxide alleviates copper toxicity in germinating seed and seedling growth of Lactuca sativa L. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici, 46(1), 167–172.

  28. Hong, J., Rico, C. M., Zhao, L., Adeleye, A. S., Keller, A. A., Peralta-Videa, J. R., & Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. (2015). Toxic effects of copper-based nanoparticles or compounds to lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 17, 177–185.

  29. Dimkpa, C. O., McLean, J. E., Latta, D. E., Manangón, E., Britt, D. W., & Johnson, W. P. (2012). CuO and ZnO nanoparticles: phytotoxicity, metal speciation, and induction of oxidative stress in sand-grown wheat. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 14, 1125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Lee, W. M., An, Y. J., Yoon, H., & Kweon, H. S. (2008). Toxicity and bioavailability of copper nanoparticles to the terrestrial plants mungbean (Phaseolus radiatus) and wheat (Triticum aestivum): plant agar test for water-insoluble nanoparticles. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 27, 1915–1921.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Nair, P. M. G., & Chung, M. (2014). Copper oxide nanoparticle toxicity in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings: physiological and molecular level responses of in vitro grown plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 36, 2947–2958.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Apodaca, S. A., Tana, W., Dominguezb, O. E., Hernandez-Viezcasc, J. A., Peralta-Videaa, J. R., & Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. (2017). Physiological and biochemical effects of nanoparticulate copper, bulk copper, copper chloride, and kinetin in kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants. Sci Total Environ, 599-600, 2085–2094.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Wang, Z., Xie, X., Zhao, J., Liu, X., Feng, W., White, J. C., & Xing, B. (2012). Xylem- and phloem-based transport of CuO nanoparticles in maize (Zea mays L.) Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 4434–4441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Kim, S., Sin, H., Lee, S., & Lee, I. (2013). Influence of metal oxide particles on soil enzyme activity and bioaccumulation of two plants. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 23(9), 1279–1286.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Moon, Y. S., Park, E. S., Kim TO, Lee, H. S., & Lee, S. E. (2014). SELDI-TOF MS-based discovery of a biomarker in Cucumis sativus seeds exposed to CuO nanoparticles. Envrionmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 38, 922–931.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Zuverza-Mena, N., Medina-Velo, I. A., Barrios, A. C., Tan, W., Peralta-Videa, J. R., & Gardea-Torresdey, J. L. (2015). Copper nanoparticles/compounds impact agronomic and physiological parameters in cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 17, 1783–1793.

  37. Peng, C., Duan, D., Xu, C., Chen, Y., Sun, L., Zhang, H., Yuan, X., Zheng, L., Yang, Y., Yang, J., Zhen, X., Chen, Y., & Shi, J. (2015). Translocation and biotransformation of CuO nanoparticles in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. Environmental Pollution, 197, 99–107.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Shaw, A. K., & Hossain, Z. (2013). Impact of nano-CuO stress on rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Chemosphere, 93, 906–915.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Costa, D. M. V. J., & Sharma, P. K. (2016). Effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on growth, morphology, photosynthesis, and antioxidant response in Oryza sativa. Photosynthetica, 54, 110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Singh, D., & Kumar, A. (2016). Impact of irrigation using water containing CuO and ZnO nanoparticles on Spinach oleracea grown in soil media. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 97, 548–553.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Deng, F., Wang, S., & Xin, H. (2016). Toxicity of CuO nanoparticles to structure and metabolic activity of Allium cepa root tips. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 97, 702–708.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Rao, S., & Shekhawat, G. S. (2016). Phytotoxicity and oxidative stress perspective of two selected nanoparticles in Brassica juncea. 3. Biotech, 6, 244.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Nair, P. M. G., & Chung, I. M. (2015). Study on the correlation between copper oxide nanoparticles induced growth suppression and enhanced lignification in indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 113, 302–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Zafar, H., Ali, A., & Zia, M. (2017). CuO nanoparticles inhibited root growth from Brassica nigra seedlings but induced root from stem and leaf explants. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 181, 365–378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Singh, A., Singh, N. B., Hussain, I., & Singh, H. (2017). Effect of biologically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on metabolism and antioxidant activity to the crop plants Solanum lycopersicum and Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. Journal of Biotechnology, 262, 11–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Nair, P. G., & Chung, I. (2014). A mechanistic study on the toxic effect of copper oxide nanoparticles in soybean (Glycine max L.) root development and lignification of root cells. Biological Trace Element Research, 162, 342–352.

  47. Ebbs, S. D., Bradfield, S. J., Kumar, P., White, J. C., Musante, C., & Ma, X. (2016). Accumulation of zinc, copper, or cerium in carrot (Daucus carota) exposed to metal oxide nanoparticles and metal ions. Environmental Science Nano, 3, 114–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Bradfield, S. J., Kumar, P., White, J. C., & Ebbs, S. D. (2017). Zinc, copper, or cerium accumulation from metal oxide nanoparticles or ions in sweet potato: yield effects and projected dietary intake from consumption. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 110, 128–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Shaw, A. K., Ghosh, S., Kalaji, H. M., Bosa, K., Brestic, M., Zivcak, M., & Hossain, Z. (2014). Nano-CuO stress induced modulation of antioxidative defense and photosynthetic performance of syrian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Environmental and Experimental Botany, 102, 37–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Nhan, L. V., Yukui, R., Weidong, C., Jianying, S., Shutong, L., Trung, N. Q., & Liming, L. (2016). Toxicity and bio-effects of CuO nanoparticles on transgenic Ipt-cotton. Journal of Plant Interactions, 11, 108–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Le Van, N., Ma, C. X., Shang, J. Y., Rui, Y. K., Liu, S. T., & Xing, B. S. (2016). Effects of CuO nanoparticles on insecticidal activity and phytotoxicity in conventional and transgenic cotton. Chemosphere, 144, 661–670.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Adhikari, T., Kundu, S., Biswas, A. K., Tarafdar, J. C., & Rao, A. S. (2012). Effect of copper oxide nanoparticle on seed germination of selected crops. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2, 815–823.

    Google Scholar 

  53. SG, W., Huang, L., Head, J., Chen, D. R., Kong, I. C., & Tang, Y. J. (2012). Phytotoxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles is related to both dissolved metals ions and adsorption of particles on seed surfaces. Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology, 3, 126.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Rajput, V.D., Tstitsuashvili, V.S., Sushkova, S.N., & Nevidomskaya, D.G. (2017) Effects of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles on soil, plant and microbial community. International Scientific Conference XX Dokoutchaev Youth Readings, Saint Petersburg, Russia, UDC 631.416.8 (9). http://www.dokuchaevskie.ru/information/2017g. Accessed 05 May 2017.

  55. Stampoulis, D., Sinha, S. K., & White, J. C. (2009). Assay-dependent phytotoxicity of nanoparticles to plants. Environmental Science & Technology, 43, 9473–9479.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Harir, S. M., Asma, G. O., Kadhim, M. I., & Nabeel, K. I. (2017). Influence of silver and copper nanoparticles on physiological characteristics of Phaseolus vulgaris L. in vitro and in vivo. International Journal of Current Microbiology & Applied Sciences, 6(1), 834–843.

  57. Singh, A., Singh, N. B., Hussain, I., Singh, H., & Yadav, V. (2017). Synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles and its impact on germination of Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek. Tropical Plant Biology, 4(2), 246–253.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Karlsson, H. L., Gustafsson, J., Cronholm, P., & Möller, L. (2009). Size-dependent toxicity of metal oxide particles—a comparison between nano- and micrometer size. Toxicology Letters, 188, 112–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Jain, N., Bhargava, A., Pareek, V., Akhtar, M. S., & Panwar, J. (2017). Does seed size and surface anatomy play role in combating phytotoxicity of nanoparticles? Ecotoxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-017-1758-7.

  60. Wierzbicka, M., & Obidzinska, J. (1998). The uptake of lead on seed imbibition and germination in different plant species. Plant Science, 137, 155–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Kranner, I., & Colville, L. (2011). Metals and seeds: biochemical and molecular implications and their significance for seed germination. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 72, 93–105.

  62. Miralles, P., Church, T. L., & Harris, A. T. (2012). Toxicity, uptake, and translocation of engineered nanomaterials in vascular plants. Environmental Science & Technology, 46, 9224–9239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Rajput, V.D., Minkina, T., Mandzhieva, S., Duply, N., Fedorenko, A., Sushkova, S., Tsitsuashvili, V. (2017). Influence of copper oxide nanoparticle on seed germination and seedling growth. International scientific conference on “modern technologies in the study of biodiversity and planting of plants, Rostov, Russia, 115-116. http://conference2017.bg.sfedu.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=129. Accessed 26 Oct 2017.

  64. Xiong, T. T., Dumat, C., Dappe, V., Vezin, H., Schreck, E., Shahid, M., Pierart, A., & Sobanska, S. (2017). Copper oxide nanoparticle foliar uptake, phytotoxicity, and consequences for sustainable urban agriculture. Environmental Science & Technology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b05546.

  65. Rajput, V. D., Chen, Y., & Ayup, M. (2015). Effects of high salinity on physiological and anatomical indices in the early stages of Populus euphratica growth. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 62, 229–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Olchowik, J., Bzdyk, R. M., Studnicki, M., Bederska-Błaszczyk, M., Urban, A., & Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska, M. (2017). The effect of silver and copper nanoparticles on the condition of english oak (Quercus robur L.) seedlings in a container nursery experiment. Forests, 8, 310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (no. 16-14-10217).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov, Russia

    V. D. Rajput, T. Minkina, S. Suskova, S. Mandzhieva, V. Tsitsuashvili, V. Chapligin & A. Fedorenko

Authors
  1. V. D. Rajput
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. Minkina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Suskova
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. S. Mandzhieva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. V. Tsitsuashvili
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. V. Chapligin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. A. Fedorenko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to V. D. Rajput.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rajput, V.D., Minkina, T., Suskova, S. et al. Effects of Copper Nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on Crop Plants: a Mini Review. BioNanoSci. 8, 36–42 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12668-017-0466-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12668-017-0466-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation