This book provides relevant findings on nanoparticles’ toxicity, their uptake, translocation and mechanisms of interaction with plants at cellular and sub-cellular level. The small size and large specific surface area of nanoparticles endow them with high chemical reactivity and intrinsic toxicity. Such unique physicochemical properties draw global attention of scientists to study potential risks and adverse effects of nanoparticles in the environment. Their toxicity has pronounced effects and consequences for plants and ultimately the whole ecosystem. Plants growing in nanomaterials-polluted sites may exhibit altered metabolism, growth reduction, and lower biomass production. Nanoparticles can adhere to plant roots and exert physicochemical toxicity and subsequently cell death in plants. On the other hand, plants have developed various defense mechanisms against this induced toxicity. This books discusses recent findings as well as several unresolved issues and challengesregarding the interaction and biological effects of nanoparticles. Only detailed studies of these processes and mechanisms will allow researchers to understand the complex plant-nanomaterial interactions.
Dr. Mohammad Faisal has over 10 years of research experience in plant biotechnology, and is currently working as an associate professor at the Department of Botany & Microbiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was the recipient of the 2017 SESR Plant Biotechnologist Award and the 2015 NESA Scientist of the Year Award, as well as several national and international fellowships. He is a member of numerous academic bodies/societies and fellow of the SESR. He has published over 64 research articles, 3 book chapters and 2 books and is on the editorial board of a number of journals.
Dr. Quaiser Saquib is currently working as an assistant professor and coordinator at the Al-Jeraisy Chair for DNA Research, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He received the NESA India Scientist of the Year Award in 2016, and the EMSI India Young Scientist Award in 2008. Dr. Saquib has published 46 research articles, 2 books and 2 book chapters.
Dr. Abdulrahman Alatar is Vice Dean of Graduate Studies, and a professor at the Department of Botany & Microbiology, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has been the PI and Co-I of various projects and has published more than 65 scientific articles, 2 books. His work has been cited in various leading journals.
Professor Abdulaziz A. Al-Khedhairy is Director of the Twasol Research Excellence Program and Al-Jeraisy Chair for DNA Research at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has published 160 research articles, 9 book chapters, 2 books and one US patient. As a PI and CO-I, he has supervised several successful projects funded by KACST, KSA.
