Nanoparticles

Similarly, as the rapid development of genetics during the end of the 20th century, did nano research, also change the way we see and make things. Perhaps it was not a coincidence, genetics, is indeed, a nano phenomenon. As our understanding of the physics and chemistry at the nanoscale has changed, our understanding of biology has improved and fields such as quantum biology has emerged. Because, it is within this certain size range, where giant molecules and tiny materials meet at the edge of quantum physics, that properties radically change. It has become evident, how little we know about what is happening at this scale and how important it is that we learn. This thesis, is but a small scratch on the surface of the investigation of nanomaterial interaction with biological organisms and systems. A small selection of some of the most common inorganic nanoparticles have been investigated, for a small set of properties and interactions. First, investigations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and their possible interactions with microbes in the rhizosphere have been described. How the chemistry of titanium dioxide affects their nanoparticle interaction with microbes and plants through phosphonate affinity. Second, iron oxide nanoparticles and their enzymatic behaviour have been studied. How these enzymatic properties might have beneficial effect in plants during abiotic stress, due to large build-up of hydrogen peroxide during such conditions. Third, calcium carbonate nanoparticle synthesis has been developed. Substantially changing production of possible sizes of calcite nanoparticles. These particles have then been studied for their interaction with organic molecules and formation of nanocomposites for their delivery mechanisms. Further, these particles have been tested for their effect on aphid infestations on plants and how it might be possible to unleash plants innate defence mechanisms that aphids otherwise can overcome