Comparison of chemically and biologically synthesized nanoparticles for the production of secondary metabolites, and growth and development of plants

Abstract With the rapid advancement in the applications of nanotechnology in plant sciences and agricultural biotechnology, the potential effects of the nanoparticles (NPs) on the secondary metabolism and development of plants have drawn considerable attention. This chapter focuses on the comparative influences of chemically and biologically prepared NPs on the plant growth and production of metabolic content. Both the enhancive and inhibitive effects exhibited by various NPs have been documented in this chapter. In addition, the preparation of biosynthesized NPs, plant-NPs interactions, and defensive mechanisms have been discussed. It further elicits new ideas and directions to gain better understanding of the mode of action of the NPs in plants.