Mechanisms of maize biofortification induced by Fe nano fertilizers studied with EXAFS

The aim of the proposal is to analyse Fe local structure with XANES and EXAFS in plant tissues (roots leaf+stem and kernels) treated with both Fe nano-fertilisers and standard Fe salts. The new trend in agriculture biofortification is to use nano formulations to diminish an excessive diffusion of fertilizers in the soil and the quantity of fertilizer utilized. These new strategies may have effects on the Fe speciation within the plant cell that can change Fe homeostasis and its role in proteins as a key oxidative stress quencher enzymatic cofactor. This project will provide fundamental information for the comprehension of the fate of Fe nano-fertilisers in maize (Zea mays L.).