Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in plant biology with the development of bacterial cellulose patches, promising significant advancements in agriculture and plant research. The patches, crafted by a team led by plant biologist Núria Sánchez Coll, were tested on Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, two commonly used laboratory plants. The introduction of these patches marks a novel approach to wound healing in plants, offering a myriad of potential applications, including facilitating grafting and preserving cut plant material.
In a controlled study, small incisions were made on the leaves of the plants, with the cellulose patches applied to half of the wounds. The results were striking: after just one week, over 80% of the treated wounds had completely healed, while less than 20% of the untreated ones showed similar recovery. This promising outcome underscores the potential implications for agriculture and plant science, as these patches could transform how plant injuries are managed.
The cellulose patches possess intrinsic biological activity, a discovery that has piqued the interest of scientists. Though bacterial cellulose has been extensively utilized in human medicine, this is the first instance of its demonstrated biological activity in plants. Núria Sánchez Coll noted their interest in understanding the molecular basis of this process:
“This made us interested in finding the molecular cause of this process,” – Núria Sánchez Coll
The dense cellulose matrix plays a crucial role in the efficacy of these patches. By preserving hormones within its structure, the matrix ensures that they remain bioactive, facilitating the healing process. Núria Sánchez Coll further elaborated on this characteristic:
“We think that the cellulose matrix is so dense that it preserves the hormones, which remain bioactive,” – Núria Sánchez Coll
To prevent infections in wounded plants, the cellulose patches were embedded with silver nanoparticles. This added feature enhances their utility not only for laboratory plants but also for real-world crop applications. Plant scientist Javier Agustí expressed enthusiasm about the potential biotechnological applications of this innovation:
“I would be very interested in seeing how well it works in real crops,” – Javier Agustí
The findings, published in Science Advances on February 12, highlight the versatility of bacterial cellulose patches as a new material for plant research and agriculture. By serving as a growth medium in laboratories, these patches could significantly streamline research processes and potentially improve crop yields through enhanced grafting techniques and preservation of plant material.
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