Plant cell wall remodeling in response to nY2O3 exposure

The phyto-toxicity of ENM has been largely addressed, however, given that cell wall is in direct contact to the environment and acts as front-line defence, questions arises regarding the initial cell wall response to cope with nanotoxicity, which will advance the field of ENM-plant interaction to ensure the sustainable and safe use of ENMs. In this study, nanoparticles of the important rare earth compound yttrium oxide (nY2O3) were applied to a model plant cell line (tobacco BY-2 suspensions). Our results provide direct evidence for cell wall thickening, and highlight the beneficial role of cell wall components during the attack by nY2O3. Most interestingly, we found possible vesicle-like formation, and vesicular trafficking may be activated to support the cell wall remodeling and maintain cell wall integrity. Hence, regulating biosynthesis and remodeling of cell walls may be recovery strategies for plants subjected to ENMs.