Table 6.

Considerations for selecting detection methods for studying particle transport in plants.

Factors	Description
Methodological considerations	In vivo (within the living organism): Advantages: Provides real-time information about particle transport in a physiological context [160]. Considerations: May be challenging to observe and quantify; has potential effects on plant health [122]. In vitro (outside the living organism, typically in a controlled environment): Advantages: Allows for controlled experiments; easier to monitor and quantify [107]. Considerations: May not fully represent the complexity of the in vivo environment [108]. In silico (computer simulation): Advantages: Enables modeling and simulation of particle transport; cost-effective and flexible [161]. Considerations: Requires accurate input parameters; simplifications may limit realism [161].
Particle properties	The size and composition of nanoparticles may influence the choice of detection method. Some methods are better suited for specific sizes or materials [162].
Objectives	Localization: Detect nanoparticles on the plant’s surface, in the root, or within various plant tissues [97,163]. Quantification: Quantitative data on the concentration of nanoparticles in plant tissues or qualitative information on their presence [159,163].
Non-invasive vs. invasive	Some methods are non-invasive and allow real-time monitoring, while others require destructive sampling [164].
Sensitivity and precision	Considers the required sensitivity to detect low concentrations of nanoparticles [165].
Sample preparation	Evaluates the ease and compatibility of sample preparation with the chosen method. Some methods may require complex sample processing [166].