Capping of Nanoparticles: An Alternative Approach for Reducing Nanoparticle Toxicity in Plants

Abstract: The present era has witnessed a new dawn in technology innovations with the entry and use of nanomaterials in the industries and in the products used and to be used in day-to-day life creating a huge possibility of ending up in the food chain. Several studies in the past has highlighted toxicity of nanomaterials due to their size. However, we cannot stop technological advancements provided by the nanomaterials fulfilling human needs but can find a solution to the toxicity of the nanomaterials for a better future and safe environment. In this study, we propose capping of nanomaterials to reduce the toxicity without compromising their functionality. Capping of the nanomaterials is used to passivate nanomaterials but the same capping also helps in the reduction of surface reactivity leading to low toxicity. We studied phytotoxicity in the presence of one of the most extensively used metal nanoparticles (copper nanoparticles) on Eleusine corcana G. (finger millet) and Paspalum scrobiculatum L. (Kodo millet). Copper nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrometallurgical methods. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used to cap the nanoparticles during the synthesis. In vitro studies results showed that the toxicity of copper nanoparticles is significantly reduced after capping. Anti-bacterial activity studies showed no change in efficacy of copper nanoparticles after capping. This study highlights the use of capping to reduce the toxicity of nanomaterials without sacrificing their required applicability.