The effects of cobalt and titanium nanoparticles on plant health

Abstract

Plants are components of natural resources that have contributed in the maintenance of ecosystem. They are essential for human nutrition and rich sources of raw materials for other human needs and economic values. Over the years, nanoparticles have been essential in improving plants and making plant and plant products affordable and accessible for humans and animals. The nanomaterials consistently used include zinc, silver, gold, copper, and iron. Little attention has been paid to cobalt-based nanoparticles and titanium-based nanoparticles. These seemingly neglected nanoparticles surreptitiously get into the plant tissues and disrupt the morphology, metabolism, physiology, and growth processes of plants. The manipulations of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) and titanium oxide nanomaterials (TiO2NPs) can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the mode of formulations, concentration, particle size, and application process. The integration of the green-based biological molecules to Co3O4NPs and TiO2NPs improved plants. These nanoparticles colonize the plant tissues and accumulate for a long time, thereby exerting certain effects on plants. Upon consumption, these materials transfer these accumulated deleterious effects to humans and animals, who are the consumers, subsequently affecting their respiratory, reproductive, excretory, and endocrinal systems. The study examines cobalt and titanium-based oxide nanoparticles and their roles in regulating plants based on effects on genetic makeup, growth, and physiological and metabolic processes. It establishes the roles of Co3O4NPs and TiO2NPs in the food chain and the corresponding effects on humans. The study also compares the merits and demerits of the two nanoparticles and makes a feasible approach to maximise their potential for plant health.