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Biosynthesis and effects of copper nanoparticles on plants

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Abstract

Copper nanoparticles have improved properties compared to the bulk copper material. Copper nanoparticles indeed find applications in gas sensors, heat transfer fluids, catalysis, solar energy and batteries. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of copper nanoparticles find applications in the agriculture and healthcare sectors. Nonetheless, careless use of copper nanoparticles may cause environmental pollution and health effects. Here we review the biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using plant materials, named phytosynthesis, and micro-organisms. We also discuss the effect of copper nanoparticles on crops and pathogenic micro-organisms. Copper nanoparticles varying in sizes from 5 to 295 nm have been synthesized using leaf extracts and latex from plants, and using bacteria and fungi. Biosynthesized copper nanoparticles show good antimicrobial activity inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic fungi. Copper nanoparticles enhance the germination and growth of some plants at lower concentrations, whereas high concentrations result in retarded growth.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the Director, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, for necessary facilities and support. The financial assistance received under the project CRP on nanotechnology is duly acknowledged. There is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Natural Resources and Environment, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342003, India

    Ramesh Chand Kasana & Nav Raten Panwar

  2. Division of Plant Improvement, Propagation and Pest Management, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342003, India

    Ramesh Kumar Kaul

  3. Division of Integrated Land Use Management and Farming System, ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342003, India

    Praveen Kumar

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  1. Ramesh Chand Kasana
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Correspondence to Ramesh Chand Kasana.

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Kasana, R.C., Panwar, N.R., Kaul, R.K. et al. Biosynthesis and effects of copper nanoparticles on plants. Environ Chem Lett 15, 233–240 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-017-0615-5

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