Investıgation of gene delivery capability of selenium nanoparticles compared to functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes in Arabidopiıs Thaliana.

As an ancient method, plant breeding is not enough to meet growing quality food demand. Genetic engineering stands out in plant biotechnology as a supportive and new approach. Effective gene editing is possible with an effective gene delivery. Gene delivery methods have been expanded by using nanomaterials for several decades. The cell walls, unlike other living cells, are the limiting factor in the transfer of genetic material in plants. One of the most widely used nanomaterials on this subject is carbon nanotube (CNT) and its functionalized versions; however, it has toxicity in plant tissues. On the other hand, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are preferred in therapeutic applications for mammalians for gene transfer, because of their additional benefits, yet they have never been used in plant biotechnology. In this study, SeNPs were synthesized chemically (about 20 nm). Then, SeNPs and polyethyleneimine functionalized single-walled CNTs (PEI-SWNTs) were characterized and applied to the model plant organism Arabidopsis thaliana from leaves and roots. As a result of the observations, it has been understood that SeNPs are 100 times less phytotoxicity than PEI-SWNTs. Furthermore, the gene transfer efficiencies of these two nanomaterials have been investigated with the help of plasmids and linear GFP DNA. According to the expression levels of GFP in applied tissues, the SeNPs were 45% more effective in linear DNA transport compared to PEI-SWNTs, and PEI-SWNTs have been found to be more effective in carrying plasmid DNA than SeNPs. However, SeNPs is a promising nanoparticle for approaches to linear DNA or RNA transfer in plants because of its less toxic effect in plants. With further studies, the adequacy of SeNPs for plant gene engineering studies can be investigated in other plant species as well.