Metal Hyperaccumulation in Plants: Novel Discoveries, Cutting-Edge Techniques, and Biotechnological Applications
Dr. Tomica Mišljenović (University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden "Jevremovac", Chair of Plant Ecology and Phytogeoraphy)
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Abstract
Hyperaccumulator plants, comprising less than 0.2% of all plant species, exhibit the remarkable ability to accumulate exceptionally high concentrations of metal(loid)s in their tissues without experiencing phytotoxic effects. These rare species, distributed across diverse plant families and ecosystems worldwide, provide critical insights into plant-metal interactions and hold considerable promise for biotechnological applications.
This presentation will explore recent discoveries in metal hyperaccumulation, focusing on species diversity, physiological mechanisms and evolutionary advantages. Novel approaches for identifying hyperaccumulator species, including non-destructive methods such as portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) herbarium scanning, will be discussed alongside advanced analytical techniques such as synchrotron-based μXRF microtomography for metal localization within plant tissues. Additionally, findings from in situ studies on plant adaptation to extreme metal(loid)s-rich substrates will be highlighted, including the identification of new thallium hyperaccumulators.
Beyond fundamental research, the talk will address the practical applications of hyperaccumulators in biotechnology, particularly in bioremediation and agromining—sustainable strategies for extracting valuable metals from soil. By integrating ecological knowledge with state-of-the-art technological advancements, hyperaccumulator plants present innovative opportunities for environmentally sustainable metal recovery and resource management.
About the speaker
Dr Tomica D. Mišljenović is an assistant professor at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, in the Department of Plant Ecology and Phytogeography. His research focuses on the hyperaccumulation of metals in plants, plant-metal interactions and the application of hyperaccumulators in bioremediation and agromining.
He earned his PhD in Ecology from the University of Belgrade, investigating bioaccumulation and physiological responses to nickel in Noccaea kovatsii and N. praecox from different geological substrates. His academic work includes the discovery of novel hyperaccumulator species, advanced metal localisation techniques such as synchrotron μXRF imaging and the study of plant adaptations to extreme metal-rich environments.
Dr Mišljenović has led or participated in several international and national research projects. He has also been actively involved in science communication, serving as the host of the weekly science radio show Hoću da znam on Radio Belgrade 2.
In addition to his research, he has contributed to environmental education through workshops, university courses and outreach programmes. He is currently the Deputy Director of the Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden „Jevremovac“ at the Faculty of Biology – University of Belgrade.