Unravelling Plant-Nanomaterial Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture

The University of Birmingham is offering a PhD project on plant-nanomaterial interactions for sustainable agriculture. The research focuses on engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in plant sciences, aiming to address knowledge gaps about their uptake and toxicity. Key objectives include synthesizing ENMs, developing analytical methods, and assessing regulatory considerations. The project is based in Birmingham and seeks candidates with a background in chemistry or environmental science.
About the project

Phytonanotechnology, the application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in plant sciences, has the potential to revolutionize agricultural systems by enabling controlled-release of agrochemicals, targeted biomolecule delivery, and advanced intracellular imaging. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding ENM uptake, translocation, and potential toxicity in plants. These uncertainties limit the safe application of nanotechnology in agriculture, hindering progress towards global sustainability goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal. The PhD project aims to address these challenges by investigating the transport, transformation, and toxicity of ENMs within plant cells, ensuring their safe and effective use in agricultural applications. The work will involve fundamental research into method development of Single-Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) to adapt the technique to plant cells.

Research Objectives

The project seeks to systematically evaluate the fate and behaviour of ENMs in plant systems through the following key objectives:
• Synthesis and Characterization: Develop and label a reference library of ENMs (Au-ENMs, TiO2-ENMs, Fe3O4-ENMs) with controlled properties (size, shape, and surface functionalisation).
• Analytical Method Development: Adapt and validate single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) for quantitative analysis of ENMs in individual plant cells.
• Plant-ENM Interactions: Investigate the uptake, translocation, and transformation of ENMs in plant cells, linking their physicochemical properties to cellular responses.
• Regulatory and Safety Considerations: Assess environmental and human health risks associated with phytonanotechnology and explore regulatory frameworks for its responsible deployment.

Expected Impact

This interdisciplinary research will pioneer the use of isotope labelling and SC-ICP-MS for studying ENM interactions in plants, enabling unprecedented insights into their behaviour at the cellular level. By addressing key uncertainties in phytonanotechnology, the project will facilitate the safe and sustainable application of ENMs in agriculture. The outcomes will contribute to global food security, environmental sustainability, and regulatory advancements, ultimately ensuring public and scientific acceptance of nanotechnology-enabled agricultural innovations.

Supervisory Team and Collaborations

The PhD student will join the Valsami-Jones group (School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham) based in the new Molecular Sciences Building in Birmingham, which opened in 2024 and provides a state-of-the-art environment for research. The student will be co-supervised by Dr James Coverdale (School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham) and Dr Santanu Majumder (Bournemouth University). The student will gain hands-on experience in advanced analytical techniques, contributing to cutting-edge research with significant real-world implications.

Funding notes:

The PhD project requires candidates with a chemistry or environmental science background and a strong interest in material synthesis and analytical chemistry.

For informal discussions please contact Professor Valsami-Jones directly with your CV and a cover email outlining your interest:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/gees/valsami-jones-eva