PhD in biophysics (M/F) – Biophysics ans biomechanics of plants exposed to nanoparticles of interest for agriculture

Understanding the mechanisms by which nanoparticles (NPs) interact with plants is crucial for, firstly, better identifying their impact on plant growth, their toxicity, their potential transmission through the food chain, and secondly, evaluating their potential use as nano-fertilizers. The main objective is to study the impact of NPs on cell biomechanics and plant cell wall properties, depending on the exposure dose. The particles will be chosen based on their relevance to agriculture. Two model plants will be used: Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering plant of the Eudicots class, which includes many cultivated plants (rapeseed, cabbage, peas, cucumber, etc.), and Brachypodium distachyon, a herbaceous plant of the Monocots class related to cultivated grasses (barley, wheat, etc.)

This thesis aims to characterize the interactions between nano-fertilizers and plants. Understanding these interactions is crucial for the development of sustainable agriculture and for assessing the potential impact on human health. Indeed, the use of nano-fertilizers has been identified as an alternative to conventional fertilizers, as they should optimize nutrient supply, limit losses to the environment, and preserve crop production and quality.