Genotoxicity of Gold Nanoparticles in Plants and Underlying Mechanisms

The use of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) has gained popularity in various industries, but concerns about their environmental impact have emerged. This chapter explores the genotoxic potential of Au-NPs on plant genetic material and the mechanisms behind these effects. Understanding the genotoxic potential is crucial for assessing environmental safety and developing mitigation strategies to protect plant life. Studies show that Au-NPs can cause DNA damage, mutations, and genetic instability, possibly due to their ability to produce reactive oxygen species and cause oxidative stress in plant cells. This chapter explores the link between Au-NPs and plant genotoxicity, highlighting potential risks in the use of nanomaterials in agriculture. It suggests that understanding these mechanisms can help develop strategies to reduce genotoxic effects, promote responsible and sustainable farming practices, and create safer alternatives. The findings can also help formulate regulatory policies and guidelines for nanomaterial use in agriculture, promoting a more informed and responsible approach.