Vietnamese imprint in international monograph on nanotechnology in plant cell, tissue and organ culture through the perspective of Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut

Cover of “Metal Nanoparticles in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture”

The book was co-authored by Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut, a leading Vietnamese expert in plant biotechnology, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thanh Tung, a promising young scientist. The monograph provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of metallic nanoparticles, from their structure, formation mechanisms, and physicochemical properties to various synthesis methods. Built on a solid scientific foundation, the authors delve deeply into nanoparticle–plant interactions, clarifying processes of penetration, transport, and effects on cells and tissues, while explaining why nanoparticles can strongly influence plant growth and physiological changes.

Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut with Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Van and his wife in Da Lat, 2023

Beyond its scientific basis, the work also presents numerous practical studies on the application of nanomaterials in plant tissue and organ culture, with specific examples such as the use of silver, zinc, and copper nanoparticles to promote growth, enhance secondary metabolite accumulation, and enhance resilience to adverse conditions. Notably, the concluding section of the book introduces new directions for application, aiming to reduce chemical dependency, optimise cultivation efficiency, and advance sustainable agriculture. Comprising 15 specialised chapters over 362 pages, presented scientifically, logically, and with abundant evidence, the monograph is a valuable reference source for scientific research.

A distinctive highlight of the book lies in the imprint of Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut, its co-editor. He personally authored Chapter 2, The Undeniable Positive Impact of Metal Nanoparticles in Plant Tissue Culture, which serves as the scientific opening of the work. This chapter not only affirms the significance of nanotechnology but also establishes the academic direction for the entire monograph.

Previously, he had already published two other monographs with Springer Nature as editor-in-chief. Among them, Plant Tissue Culture: New Techniques and Application in Horticultural Species of Tropical Region (2022) provides comprehensive information on the latest experimental research in plant cell, tissue, and organ culture using diverse methods, highlighting successful application cases. The book not only presents optimised methods but also offers a series of useful techniques for deeper exploration in tissue culture research and development. The authors hoped its practical applications would serve as a useful handbook for developing countries.

Cover of “Plant Tissue Culture: New Techniques and Application in Horticultural Species of Tropical Region”

His earlier work, Thin Cell Layer Culture System: Regeneration and Transformation Application, published in 2003, was acclaimed by the international scientific community as “never before written in the world”. The shift from research on thin cell layer (TCL) culture to metal nanoparticles reflects his strategic vision and pioneering spirit in continuously seeking modern biotechnological solutions.

Springer-Science+Business Media, B.V.

Cover of “Thin Cell Layer Culture System: Regeneration and Gene Transformation Application”

Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut’s contribution is also evident in defining the key research themes within “Metal Nanoparticles in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture”, especially the series of studies on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Under his scientific leadership, Chapters 5 to 10 illustrate the multifunctional role of AgNPs — their effectiveness in sterilisation for plant micropropagation (Chapter 5); their stimulation of morphogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (Chapters 6–7); and their promotion of flowering and fruit formation in in vitro passion fruit culture (Chapter 8). Particularly, the findings in Chapters 9–10 demonstrate how silver nanoparticles improve shoot quality and cell development in culture media. These achievements confirm that Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut is not only a chief editor but also a pioneer laying the foundation for research on the application of metal nanoparticles in plant tissue culture.

Beyond silver nanoparticles, the book also extends its scope to various other metallic nanoparticles, enriching experimental data and confirming their diverse application potential in plant tissue culture. Chapter 11 shows that cobalt nanoparticles can stimulate seedling growth in nanoparticle-supplemented media. Chapter 12 focuses on iron nanoparticles supporting the hardening process in Ngoc Linh ginseng plants regenerated from transgenic roots — a practically valuable example of nanoparticle application in micropropagation of medicinal plants. Subsequently, Chapter 13 describes the dual effect of copper nanoparticles in surface sterilisation and in promoting growth of micropropagated seedlings.

Impact of metal nanoparticles in overcoming certain abnormalities during plant micropropagation

The monograph also explores emerging research directions. Chapter 14 analyses selenium nanoparticles as growth stimulants, opening prospects for their use in plant micropropagation. Meanwhile, Chapter 15 focuses on silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles, emphasising their effectiveness in enhancing the hardening process of regenerated plants. This series of in-depth studies provides a comprehensive perspective on the applicability of various metal nanoparticles in developing sustainable solutions for tissue culture technology and high-tech agriculture in the future.

Sharing his thoughts on the book, Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut stated: “This will serve as a valuable reference for fellow researchers in plant biotechnology, agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental studies. It is also a useful source for lecturers and university or postgraduate students. I hope young scientists will see in it a gateway to modern trends, fostering innovative thinking and the courage to experiment and create.” He further emphasised that even policymakers and specialists in high-tech agricultural development could find useful insights here for formulating sustainable growth strategies.

Prof. Dr. Duong Tan Nhut (centre) presents the book to Da Lat University Library

Nanotechnology, regarded as one of the pillars of modern science, has opened vast prospects for improving productivity, enhancing resilience, and increasing the medicinal value of plants when applied to plant biology. Hence, this monograph is not only a highly valuable scientific resource but also a message of pioneering spirit and innovation from the scientists of the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology reaching out to the world. By linking nanotechnology with agricultural practice, the work unveils the potential to translate scientific value into real-world applications, contributing to the shaping of a modern, green, and sustainable agriculture of the future.

Translated by Phuong Huyen
Link to Vietnamese version