Gold nanoparticles as tracer of plants’ sap flow

In order to use gold nanoparticle(AuNP) with synchrotron X-ray imaging as a tool for visualize hydraulics in xylem vessel, interaction with the vascular network is verified. Effects of AuNP supply on the water refilling function of  monocot species are investigated by the refilling process in sample leaves with X-ray imaging and evaporative water loss. The function was virtually unaffected, but discrepancy in the water uptakes starts to appear at about 20 min to 40 min after the supply of AuNP solution.