Harnessing nanoparticle-mediated elicitation in plant tissue culture: a promising approach for secondary metabolite production

In vitro, plant cell cultures have emerged as a promising and sustainable method for producing valuable and economically important metabolites in a controlled environment. To enhance metabolite yield, there is a need for strategies involving the addition of elicitors to plant cell culture media. Recent studies explored the potential of nanoparticles (NPs) as elicitors for secondary metabolism productions and alternatives to biotic elicitors like phytohormones and microbial extracts. The unique physicochemical properties of NPs allow for the design of precise geometries, monodispersed or stimulus-responsive structures. NPs are also capable of carrying hormones, thereby enhancing their ability to elicit specific metabolites in different types of plant cell cultures. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of advancements in NP-mediated elicitation. It extensively summarizes current knowledge about the application of different metallic, bimetallic, non-metallic, carbon-based, and composite NPs as elicitors of economically important secondary metabolites in different plants. A brief explanation of the exposure, uptake, and translocation of nanoparticles inside the plant cell is also highlighted. Possible mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated elicitation of secondary metabolites in plant culture systems are included. The insights highlighted in the present review will foster nanoparticle-mediated elicitors as a valuable source for efficient production of secondary metabolites and plant improvement. Graphical abstract Key message This review will be a benchmark for the new insight of reserch to enhance the secondary metabolite production by using nanoparticles in plant tisuue culture.