Description of the thesis topic

Nanomaterials and nanoparticles are used in many industrial sectors and in agriculture, contributing to their dissemination in the environment. Plants are in direct contact with these materials, either voluntarily, since they can be include in the composition of fertilizers and pesticides, or accidentally, for example through spreading sludge. Research shows that nanoparticles (NP) can improve, or, on the contrary, decrease the growth and the development of plants, and be toxic [1]. However, the mechanisms by which the NP interact with plants are still unknown and it is crucial to understand them.
The aims of this thesis are to study the mechanical response of plant cells and to characterize the structure of their wall in presence of nanoparticles.
This work includes a significant experimental component, focused on the use of the following characterization techniques:
- nanoindentation by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which measures the elastic modulus of the plant cell wall perpendicular to the indentation and quantifies the hydrostatic pressure inside the cell [2]
- Raman spectrometry, which provides information on the chemical composition, organization of polysaccharides, and their distribution within the plant cell wall.

Candidate profile: Master 2 level in physics, nanosciences or biophysics. The candidate must be highly motivated and interested to work on a project at the interface between physics and biology.

Work Context

Research will be carried out at the Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN, UMR CNRS 6502), located at Lombarderie Campus of Nantes Université, within the Physics of Materials and Nanosctructures (PMN) team.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

Travel outside the region will take place during the thesis.