In agriculture, plant transformation is a versatile platform for crop improvement with the aim of increased pest resistance and an improved nutrient profile. Nanotechnology can overcome several challenges that face conventional methods of gene delivery. Specifically, nanomaterials offer an optimal platform for biomolecule delivery with unique physiochemical properties as well as the ability to traverse the challenging barrier of the plant cell wall. We review the potential of diverse nanovehicles for biomolecule delivery in plant systems to obtain desired genetic traits. The efficacy of nanoparticles against pests or pathogens is also explored, as well as the interaction of nanovehicles with plant organelles, with due consideration of the effects and toxic profile of nanoparticles.
Keywords: biomolecule delivery; genetic engineering; nanovehicles; pest resistance; phytotoxicity; plant modification.
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