Fullerenol affects maize plants depending on their iron status

Although fullerene (C60) has attracted great interest as a carbon-based nanomaterial with unique properties, today, little is known about the interaction of its water-soluble derivates, including fullerenol higher plants. Here, we investigated how [C60(OH)22-24] affects Zea mays, Strategy II plant, depending on iron status. Iron deficiency chlorosis common nutritional disorder affecting Maize plants were grown hydroponically, either [+FeII (ferrous) or +FeIII (ferric)] in Fe-free (-FeII and -FeIII) nutrient solution without supply. Fullerenol affected differently their Fe The beneficial effects observed FeII-deprived plants, successful suppression plant Fe-deficiency mainly younger (basal middle) region leaf blade. This expressed more severe compared older (apical) These changes accompanied by significant increase active lowering root apoplastic Fe, suggesting that may enhance mobilization roots, helping to alleviate chlorosis. By contrast, there no observable FeIII-deprived being significantly lower FeII-deficient Additionally, did not affect Fe-sufficient irrespective species (FeIII-EDTA FeII-EDTA) used Fe-sources. Our results provide new evidence for role Fe-fullerenol interactions enhancement gramineous tolerance conditions, which are one major limiting factors crop production all over world.