Gene Transformation Using Nano-technology and Delivery Methods of the Bio-modifier-Conjugated Complex to Plant Cells

Many methods of genetic engineering of plant cells such as Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation, electroporation, biolistics/gene gun, or polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediated have been in use since long. There are some major disadvantages with these systems such as limited host specificity with requirement of a regeneration protocol, tissue and DNA damages or cell toxicity. Recently, advancement in synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials/nanoparticles (NMs/NPs) having nanometer scale (1–100 nm) dimensions, have been made. These nanoparticles can address many of the problems and limitations in the field of gene transfer to plant cells. Various nanomaterials have been explored in both animals and plants for genetic engineering such as organic like lipid complexes, conjugated/cationic polymers, and inorganic systems based on carbon dots or nanotubes, quantum dots or magnetic nanoparticles etc. Critical knowledge of NMs interactions with plants is not well understood that has to be studied for controlled delivery of active biological macromolecule compounds inside the cell. Many successful, nanomaterials mediated gene delivery reports have however, highlighted the immense possibilities of nanotechnology for genetic engineering of plant cells. Therefore, the present chapter comprehensively reviews the various delivery methods of the biomodifier-conjugated complex to plant cells and highlights the importance of development of new efficient strategies for plant genetic transformation with greater simplicity.