Dual-interface assembled silanized amide nanoclusters: driving light-carbon synergy to enhance photosynthesis in wheat.

The low efficiency of light energy utilization and CO2 fixation restricts C3 crop photosynthesis, presenting a significant challenge for sustainable agricultural development. To alleviate this limitation, we constructed bifunctional silanized amide nanoclusters (SiANs) via a dual-interface assembly strategy. Using wheat as a model crop, we demonstrated that SiANs can regulate the photosynthetic process through a light‑carbon synergy mechanism. Benefiting from the anisotropic assembly and covalent cross-linking, SiANs exhibit an ultra-high fluorescence quantum yield (91.53%) and a substantial CO2 adsorption capacity (2.63 mmol/g). Acting as a dual-functional modulator, they convert harmful UV radiation into utilizable blue light to accelerate electron transport, while the surface amino groups enrich CO2 to facilitate Rubisco carboxylation. Experimental results showed that root application of 5 mg/L SiANs increased the electron transport rate of Photosystem II by 37.50% and Rubisco activity by 92.81%. Consequently, the net photosynthetic rate of wheat increased by 61.58%, accompanied by a 91.20% increase in soluble sugar accumulation. This work provides new insights into the interfacial regulation of photosynthesis, demonstrating a promising nanotechnological approach for improving C3 crop growth.