Plant Nanobionics

Outline
Carbon Nanotubes

Properties - al

Application

Reasons for Application - sofia

Benefit of mankind for application - nina

Carbon Nanotubes
● Carbon nanotubes from the word itself are
carbon atoms linked in hexagonal shapes
forming a tube like structure. This carbon
nanotubes have diameters as small as 1 nm.
● Carbon Nanotubes have properties that greatly
contribute to nanotechnology electronics,
optics, and other fields of material science and
technology.
Carbon Nanotubes

● Electrical Conductivity
● Strength and Elasticity
● Thermal Conductivity and
Expansion
● Electron Emission
● Aspect Ratio
Carbon Nanotubes
Idea: To prolong chloroplasts’ productivity

● Added Cerium oxide nanoparticles or nanoceria

● Nanoceria- strong antioxidants that scavenge oxygen radicals and other
highly reactive molecules produced by light and oxygen.

Method : LEEP, Lipid Exchange Envelope Penetration - Wrap particles in

polyacrylic acid to penetrate membranes that surround chloroplasts.

● Also added semiconducting carbon nanotubes (artificial antennae) coated in

negatively charged DNA
● Allowed chloroplasts to capture wavelengths of light not in their range (UV,
green and near infrared)
Reasons for Application
● To make plants more useful
● To enhance its energy production
● To give them new functions such as monitoring environmental pollutants.
● To enhance photosynthetic function of chloroplasts for possible use in solar
cells.
Benefits of Mankind for Application
● Increases crop productivity
● Increases food supply
● Absorbs more carbon dioxide