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Controlling in planta gold nanoparticle synthesis and size for catalysis

Loskarn, Marc and Shamsul Harumain, Zakuan Azizi and Dobson, Jessica A. and Hunt, Andrew J. and McElroy, Con Robert and Klumbys, Evaldas and Johnston, Emily and Sanchez Alponti, Juliana and Clark, James H. and Maathuis, Frans J. M. and Bruce, Neil C. and Rylott, Elizabeth L. (2024) Controlling in planta gold nanoparticle synthesis and size for catalysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 58 (22). pp. 9714-9722. ISSN 0013-936X E-ISSN 1520-5851

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Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are used as catalysts for a diverse range of industrial applications. Currently, Au-NPs are synthesized chemically, but studies have shown that plants fed Au deposit, this element naturally as NPs within their tissues. The resulting plant material can be used to make biomass-derived catalysts. In vitro studies have shown that the addition of specific, short (∼10 amino acid) peptide/s to solutions can be used to control the NP size and shape, factors that can be used to optimize catalysts for different processes. Introducing these peptides into the model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), allows us to regulate the diameter of nanoparticles within the plant itself, consequently influencing the catalytic performance in the resulting pyrolyzed biomass. Furthermore, we show that overexpressing the copper and gold COPPER TRANSPORTER 2 (COPT2) in Arabidopsis increases the uptake of these metals. Adding value to the Au-rich biomass offers the potential to make plant-based remediation and stabilization of mine wastes financially feasible. Thus, this study represents a significant step toward engineering plants for the sustainable recovery of finite and valuable elements from our environment.

Item Type: Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords: gold, Arabidopsis, catalysis, nanoparticles, peptides, phytomining, metals
Subjects: Q Science > QK Botany
T Technology > TN Mining engineering. Metallurgy > TN263 Mineral deposit. Metallic ore deposits. Prospecting
T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP248.13 Biotechnology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Biotechnology
Depositing User: Dr Zakuan Azizi Shamsul Harumain
Date Deposited: 24 May 2024 11:50
Last Modified: 10 Jun 2024 12:00
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/112293

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