Nanotechnology breakthrough in plant tissue culture: Advancing sustainable agriculture and medicinal plant production
Nanotechnology is opening up new research directions and has been widely applied in many fields, from medicine and the environment to agriculture, including plant sciences. Metallic nanoparticles, measuring just 1–100 nanometres – thousands of times smaller than a strand of hair – possess a large surface area and high chemical reactivity. They can directly interact with plant cells, supporting healthier growth and greater resistance. Globally, this technology has been applied since the 2000s to improve crop productivity and harness valuable compounds through different approaches. Studies show that metallic nanoparticles can be introduced to plants through various methods such as seed soaking prior to sowing, foliar spraying, or application to soil/roots. This allows for effective nutrient delivery, improved pest resistance, and optimised yields while reducing waste and environmental pollution.
In Viet Nam, the research team led by Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut at the Institute of Life Sciences has pioneered the use of metallic nanoparticles in plant tissue culture, opening a modern research pathway with high economic potential. From their project “Study on the effects of certain metallic nanoparticles on morphogenesis, growth and development, physiology, biochemistry and secondary metabolite accumulation of some economically valuable crops cultured in vitro” (Code: NCXS01.03/22-24), the team has successfully applied metallic nanoparticles in plant biotechnology, clarifying their impacts and mechanisms across many high-value plant species.
Prof.Dr. Duong Tan Nhut (right) and Prof.Dr. David Jackson (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, US, left) in the laboratory
Within this study, the team used silver nanoparticles in standard plant tissue culture media in the laboratory to sterilise begonia explants. Experimental results showed that metallic nanoparticles effectively inhibited microbial growth without damaging plant tissue, thereby reducing reliance on traditional chemical disinfectants, which are often highly toxic. As a result, explants were kept cleaner, the culture environment remained more stable, and optimal conditions were created for healthy seedling growth, effective tissue regeneration, and uniform development.
Begonia cultured in vitro after sterilisation experiments
(A) and (B) show plants after 5–20 days of treatment: explants treated with HgCl₂ were easily damaged, while those treated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) developed better.
(C) Petals treated with HgCl₂ showed necrotic areas with brown spots.
(D) Petals treated with silver nanoparticles retained healthy tissue with no damage.
Metallic nanoparticles also supported faster shoot multiplication, callus formation, and embryo development, opening the door to large-scale propagation. These results were recorded in many high-value plants such as chrysanthemum, gerbera, begonia, strawberry, kiwi, Ngoc Linh ginseng, artichoke, phyllanthus, and Langbiang ginseng, demonstrating the wide applicability of nanotechnology in plant tissue culture. In experimental studies on chrysanthemum and phyllanthus, the team analysed the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) gene sequence – commonly used in plant classification due to its high stability and specificity. Results confirmed that the sequence remained intact with no variations, affirming that nanotechnology does not alter the biological or genetic characteristics of plants.
Discussing the potential applications, Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut explained that the research showed that metallic nanoparticles not only support plant growth but also promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites with high biological activity. For example, in phyllanthus, the addition of silver nanoparticles increased the levels of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin – two important medicinal compounds. He stressed that this provides a vital foundation for exploiting and developing plant resources for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods, while also offering broad prospects for enhancing crop yield and quality.
In vitro rooting of phyllanthus shoots after 30 days of culture. Left: medium supplemented with silver nanoparticles (Bar = 2 cm). Right: control, no silver nanoparticles
He further noted: “Our research has proven that using metallic nanoparticles brings clear benefits in sterilising culture media, helping seedlings grow uniformly and healthily, and minimising disease risks. Particularly, during the transition from test tubes to greenhouses – a sensitive stage – applying metallic nanoparticles significantly improved survival rates and flowering capacity in species such as passion fruit and begonia.”
Effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the development of passion fruit seedlings after 60 days in the greenhouse (from left to right: control (+); (-); 1.0; 3.0; 5.0; 7.0 and 9.0 mg/L SeNPs)
He also confirmed: this represents the world’s first research orientation in this field, and his team has published around 70 scientific works domestically and internationally, including 27 international papers indexed in Web of Science (WoS) in prestigious Q1 journals and six in Q2. In addition, he has supervised 10 PhD candidates who successfully defended their theses on applications of metallic nanoparticles for different purposes. Notably, this research line led him to author the book “Metal Nanoparticles in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture”, published by Springer. The book is a monograph summarising the latest advances in plant biotechnology, with a particular focus on the effective application of nanomaterials in micropropagation for commercial purposes.
Cover of the book “Metal Nanoparticles in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture”
According to Professor Nghiem Ngoc Minh, Reviewer 1 of the VAST acceptance committee: the research achievement confirms the ability of VAST scientists to keep pace with global research trends while contributing new findings with distinctive value. Whereas many international studies have mainly focused on the sterilising and growth-promoting effects of nanoparticles, the team led by Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut has taken an important step further by clarifying the mechanisms of medicinal compound accumulation in plants. Particularly, experiments were successfully conducted on numerous high-value crops such as chrysanthemum, passion fruit, strawberry, and Ngoc Linh ginseng.
The committee highly valued the project’s results. In terms of international publications, the team produced 19 papers in Q1 journals listed by Scimago (Scopus) or with an IF ≥ 2 in the Web of Science (WoS) system, along with four publications in reputable national journals. Beyond scientific contributions, the project has also played an important role in training high-quality human resources. It supported five PhD candidates who have been awarded their doctorates and is currently guiding two more, in addition to training three master’s students.
Prof. Dr. Tran The Bach, a member of the VAST acceptance committee, remarked: in addition to the outstanding results achieved, the project has had a significant influence on scientists, particularly younger ones, inspiring them with greater passion for scientific research. This success also demonstrates that, with appropriate financial support from VAST, talented scientists are well-positioned to carry out meaningful, high-quality work. The committee expressed hope that, going forward, the continued expansion and application of this technological strength would contribute to enhancing the value of Viet Nam’s green, modern, and sustainable agriculture.
Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese version
