Big things come in small packages: Using nanomaterials for plant genetic engineering

The increasing global demand for sustainable agricultural practices has driven the development of advanced genetic engineering techniques, including the use of nanobiotechnology for gene delivery in plants. Nanomaterials provide an innovative approach to overcoming the limitations of traditional genetic transformation methods, offering enhanced efficiency, targeted delivery, and protection of genetic material such as low efficiency, high cost, and potential for insertional mutagenesis. This review article explores the use of nanomaterials as non-viral vectors for gene delivery in plants, highlighting their potential to revolutionize plant biotechnology with a focus on their role in delivering DNA, RNA interference (RNAi), and CRISPR-based genome editing molecules in plant cells. Among the studied nanocarriers, metallic nanoparticles (e.g., gold and silver), carbon nanomaterials (CBNs), polymeric nanoparticles, and lipid-based systems have demonstrated promising results in facilitating gene transfer, increasing stability, and reducing degradation of genetic material. Notably, nanoparticles-based systems (NPs) have enabled efficient gene silencing via plasmid DNA, siRNA and dsRNA, as well as high-precision genome editing through direct ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) delivery, facilitating transgene-free mutants. The unique capacity of engineered nanomaterials to traverse the plant cell wall and membrane barriers without inducing significant cytotoxicity or genomic instability underscores their potential as transformative tools for recalcitrant species and tissue culture-free applications. However, despite these promising results, challenges remain, including NP phytotoxicity, genotypic variability in delivery efficiency, off-target effects, and unresolved environmental fate. Future research should focus on refining nanomaterial properties to enhance biocompatibility, ensure precise gene targeting, and minimize off-target effects. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology with precision agriculture has the potential to improve crop resilience, increase yields, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. By overcoming existing limitations, nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery could revolutionize plant biotechnology, offering sustainable and efficient solutions for global food security and climate change adaptation. • Nanoparticles overcome plant cell barriers for efficient DNA, RNAi and ribonucleoproteins. • Nanoparticles facilitate diverse delivery approaches in plants. • Nanocarriers enhance the stability and protection of genetic cargo. • Smart stimuli-responsive nanoparticles delivery of genetic cargo promise sustainable crop resilience. • There are major gaps to be overcome in NPs delivery of genetic cargo in plants.