Narrative Review of Nanomaterial Interactions in Plants with a Focus on Multi-Omics and Epigenetic Remodeling

Abstract

Environmental nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly entering agroecosystems through industrial discharges, agricultural chemicals, nanotechnology, and atmospheric deposition. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with plants across growth stages is essential. This narrative review synthesizes current insights into nanomaterial uptake pathways, translocation dynamics, and intracellular trafficking from seed germination to reproductive maturity. It highlights the use of integrative multi-omics techniques, namely transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, to elucidate molecular reprogramming in response to ENMs exposure. The data indicates that nanomaterials can significantly affect seed vigor, root architecture, photosynthetic efficiency, and other yield-related traits through coordinated regulation of stress-responsive genes, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and phytohormonal signaling pathways. Furthermore, the review underscores the role of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone remodeling, as critical regulatory layers that govern both transient and heritable plant responses to ENMs. Metabolomic remodeling, particularly the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and redox-related pathways, represents the primary adaptive response linking molecular disturbances to phenotypic outcomes. This manuscript proposes a systems-level framework for evaluating nano–plant interactions, bridging nanoscale physicochemical properties with physiological and yield-level outcomes. Collectively, this integrative perspective aims to enhance mechanistic clarity, support the development of predictive and sustainable nanotechnology applications in agriculture, and identify critical gaps in long-term ecological and transgenerational assessments.