Effects of 2D-NanoMaterials on seed plants reproduction

The objective of the project is to study the effects of 2D-nanomaterials (2D-Nms), possible future environmental pollutants, on seed plants, with special interest for the sexual reproduction processes. The tested materials will be graphene oxide, Boron nitride, Molibdenum disulphite, and mica, i.e. 2D-Nms with different chemical physical properties and on the front line of Nano-research. Model and non-model seed plants of high economic value will be used to test the capability of female flowers of anemophilous plants to intercept airborne 2D-Nms, and the internalisation of 2D-Nms by pollen tube and stigmatic surfaces. The subsequent interference that 2D-Nms might cause to the germination of pollen grains deposited on the stigmatic surface will also be studied in comparison to in vitro conditions. Profitable skills are: dexterity, endurance, resourcefulness, curiosity; excellent knowledge of plant biology, optical and electronic microscopy, and basic laboratory techniques.