Delivery of Biodegradable Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) Nanoparticles into Plant Cells

Abstract

The behavior of biodegradable poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) toward plant cells was investigated using confocal laser microscopy when exposed to leaves and roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. As a result, when the leaves were exposed to the PLGA NP suspension by applying pressure, the suspension penetrated into the leaves through the stomata, and the NPs were taken into the mesophyll cells. In contrast, PLGA NPs were taken into the cells of root tip and root hair with thin cell wall. These experimental results suggest that the PLGA NPs are suitable for delivery of useful substances into plant cells.