Application of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for the metal nanoparticles extraction from plant tissue

The study aimed to use Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as an extractant of metal oxide NPs from plant material. The plant chosen for the study was radish after exposure, growing on media containing: copper(II) oxide, cerium(IV) oxide, and titanium(IV) oxide. The first step of the study was to investigate the influence of NADES on NPs. In the second step, selected NADES solvents were used as extractants of NPs present in radish after exposure. Single-particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry technique (SP-ICP-MS) was used to determine the number and size of NPs. As a result of the research, it was found that copper(II) oxide NPs, regardless of the solvent used, is not present in the extract. Only the ionic form of the element was present in the solution. Higher sized cerium(IV) oxide NPs were accumulated in the root, while smaller sized ones were found in radish leaves. The titanium(IV) oxide NPs were agglomerated and were present in a small amount in radish leaves, accumulating mainly in the root. Finally, it can be concluded that NADES allows the extraction of metal oxide NPs from the plant material. [Display omitted] •NADES solvents as a new medium for NPs extraction from plant tissues.•NADES are a good alternative to organic solvents extraction of NPs.•The NADES solvents can be used to extract CeO2 NPs and TiO2 NPs from plant tissues without causing their transformation.