Phytomediated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Embellish Antioxidant Defense System, Ameliorating HLB-Diseased 'Kinnow' Mandarin Plants.

Citrus production is harmed worldwide by yellow dragon disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening. As a result, it has negative effects and a significant impact on the agro-industrial sector. There is still no viable biocompatible treatment for Huanglongbing, despite enormous efforts to combat this disease and decrease its detrimental effects on citrus production. Nowadays, green-synthesized nanoparticles are gaining attention for their use in controlling various crop diseases. This research is the first scientific approach to examine the potential of phylogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to restore the health of Huanglongbing-diseased 'Kinnow' mandarin plants in a biocompatible manner. AgNPs were synthesized using Moringa oleifera as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent and characterized using different characterization techniques, i.e., UV-visible spectroscopy with a maximum average peak at 418 nm, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a size of 74 nm, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), which confirmed the presence of silver ions along with different elements, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy served to confirm different functional groups of elements. Exogenously, AgNPs at various concentrations, i.e., 25, 50, 75, and 100 mgL-1, were applied against Huanglongbing-diseased plants to evaluate the physiological, biochemical, and fruit parameters. The findings of the current study revealed that 75 mgL-1 AgNPs were most effective in boosting the plants' physiological profiles, i.e., chl a, chl b, total chl, carotenoid content, MSI, and RWC up to 92.87%, 93.36%, 66.72%, 80.95%, 59.61%, and 79.55%, respectively; biochemical parameters, i.e., 75 mgL-1 concentration decreased the proline content by up to 40.98%, and increased the SSC, SOD, POD, CAT, TPC, and TFC content by 74.75%, 72.86%, 93.76%, 76.41%, 73.98%, and 92.85%, respectively; and fruit parameters, i.e., 75 mgL-1 concentration increased the average fruit weight, peel diameter, peel weight, juice weight, rag weight, juice pH, total soluble solids, and total sugarby up to 90.78%, 8.65%, 68.06%, 84.74%, 74.66%, 52.58%, 72.94%, and 69.69%, respectively. These findings enable us to develop the AgNP formulation as a potential citrus Huanglongbing disease management method.

Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles as a Stress Alleviator in Plants: A Mechanistic Overview.

Currently, the growth and yield of crops are restrained due to an increase in the occurrence of ecological stresses globally. Biogenic generation of nanomaterials is an important step in the development of environmentally friendly procedures in the nanotechnology field. Silver-based nanomaterials are significant because of their physical, chemical, and biological features along with their plentiful applications. In addition to useful microbes, the green synthesized Ag nanomaterials are considered to be an ecologically friendly and environmentally biocompatible method for the enhancement of crop yield by easing stresses. In the recent decade, due to regular droughts, infrequent precipitation, salinity, and increased temperature, the climate alternation has changed certain ecological systems. As a result of these environmental changes, crop yield has decreased worldwide. The role of biogenic Ag nanomaterials in enhancing methylglyoxal detoxification, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and generating tolerance to stresses-induced ROS injury has been methodically explained in plants over the past ten years. However, certain studies regarding stress tolerance and metal-based nanomaterials have been directed, but the particulars of silver nanomaterials arbitrated stresses tolerance have not been well-reviewed. Henceforth, there is a need to have a good understanding of plant responses during stressful conditions and to practice the combined literature to enhance tolerance for crops by utilization of Ag nanoparticles. This review article illustrates the mechanistic approach that biogenic Ag nanomaterials in plants adopt to alleviate stresses. Moreover, we have appraised the most significant activities by exogenous use of Ag nanomaterials for improving plant tolerance to salt, low and high temperature, and drought stresses.

Plant-Based Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Trigger Biochemical and Proteome Modifications in Triticum aestivum L. under Biotic Stress of Puccinia striiformis.

In this study, we evaluated bioinspired titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) that elicited biochemical and proteome modifications in wheat plants under the biotic stress caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Biosynthesis of TiO2 NPs was confirmed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. We found that the nanoparticles with crystalline nature were smaller than 100 nm. The results of FTIR analysis showed the presence of potential functional groups exhibiting O-H, N-H, C-C, and Ti-O stretching. The TiO2 NPs of different concentrations (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg L-1) were exogenously applied to wheat plants under the biotic stress caused by Pst, which is responsible for yellow stripe rust disease. The results of the assessment of disease incidence and percent disease index displayed time- and dose-dependent responses. The 40 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs were the most effective in decreasing disease severity. The bioinspired TiO2 NPs were also evaluated for enzymatic (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), and nonenzymatic metabolites (total proline, phenolic, and flavonoid contents) in wheat plants under stripe rust stress. The 40 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs were effective in eliciting biochemical modifications to reduce biotic stress. We further evaluated the effects of TiO2 NPs through gel- and label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteome analysis. We performed proteome analysis of infected wheat leaves and leaves treated with 40 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs under stripe rust stress. The functional classification of the proteins showed downregulation of proteins related to protein and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as of photosynthesis in plants under biotic stress. An upregulation of stress-related proteins was observed, including the defense mechanisms and primary metabolic pathways in plants treated with 40 mg L-1 TiO2 NPs under stress. The experimental results showed the potential of applying biogenic TiO2 NPs to combat fungal diseases of wheat plants and provided insight into the protein expression of plants in response to biotic stress.

Exogenous Application of Green Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) to Improve the Germination, Physiochemical, and Yield Parameters of Wheat Plants under Salinity Stress.

Agriculture is the backbone of every developing country. Among various crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) belongs to the family Poaceae and is the most important staple food crop of various countries. Different biotic (viruses, bacteria and fungi) and abiotic stresses (water logging, drought and salinity) adversely affect the qualitative and quantitative attributes of wheat. Among these stresses, salinity stress is a very important limiting factor affecting the morphological, physiological, biochemical attributes and grain yield of wheat. This research work was carried out to evaluate the influence of phytosynthesized TiO2 NPs on the germination, physiochemical, and yield attributes of wheat varieties in response to salinity. TiO2 NPs were synthesized using TiO2 salt and a Buddleja asiatica plant extract as a reducing and capping agent. Various concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/L) and salt solutions (NaCl) (100 and 150 mM) were used. A total of 20 mg/L and 40 mg/L improve germination attributes, osmotic and water potential, carotenoid, total phenolic, and flavonoid content, soluble sugar and proteins, proline and amino acid content, superoxide dismutase activity, and reduce malondialdhehyde (MDA) content at both levels of salinity. These two concentrations also improved the yield attributes of wheat varieties at both salinity levels. The best results were observed at 40 mg/L of TiO2 NPs at both salinity levels. However, the highest concentrations (60 and 80 mg/L) of TiO2 NPs showed negative effects on germination, physiochemical and yield characteristics and causes stress in both wheat varieties under control irrigation conditions and salinity stress. Therefore, in conclusion, the findings of this research are that the foliar application of TiO2 NPs can help to improve tolerance against salinity stress in plants.

Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Olea ferruginea Fruit Extract and Its Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology, the science of the recent era, has diverse applications in agriculture. Selenium (Se) is a non-metal and an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized by using Olea ferruginea fruit extracts. The size, shape, chemical nature, and identification of functional groups involved in the synthesis of SeNPs were studied by UV-visible spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectrometry. SeNP synthesis was confirmed by an absorption peak at 258 nm by UV-visible spectroscopy. SEM showed that SeNPs were spherical, smooth, and between 60 and 80 nm in size. FTIR spectrometry confirmed the presence of terpenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and esters as well as phyto-constituents, such as alkaloids and flavonoids, that possibly act as reducing or capping agents of SeNPs in an aqueous solution of Olea ferruginea. Antimicrobial activity was examined against bacterial pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, as well as fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum, by using the well-diffusion method. Antioxidant activity was observed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ABTs assay, and reducing power assay. At a higher concentration of 400 ppm, biosynthesized SeNPs showed an inhibition zone of 20.5 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, and 18.5 mm against Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermitis, respectively. Similarly, SeNPs also demonstrated a zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum of 17.5 and 21 mm, respectively. In contrast to Olea ferruginea fruit extracts, Olea ferruginea-mediated SeNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity. By performing the DPPH, ABTs, and reducing power assay, SeNPs showed 85.2 ± 0.009, 81.12 ± 0.007, and 80.37 ± 0.0035% radical scavenging potential, respectively. The present study could contribute to the drug development and nutraceutical industries.

Effect of Phytosynthesized Selenium and Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) against Stripe Rust Disease.

In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) were synthesized by using the extract of Melia azedarach leaves, and Acorus calamusas rhizomes, respectively, and investigated for the biological and sustainable control of yellow, or stripe rust, disease in wheat. The green synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SeNPs and CeONPs, with different concentrations (i.e., 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L), were exogenously applied to wheat infected with Puccinia striformis. SeNPs and CeONPs, at a concentration of 30 mg/L, were found to be the most suitable concentrations, which reduced the disease severity and enhanced the morphological (plant height, root length, shoot length, leaf length, and ear length), physiological (chlorophyll and membrane stability index), biochemical (proline, phenolics and flavonoids) and antioxidant (SOD and POD) parameters. The antioxidant activity of SeNPs and CeONPs was also measured. For this purpose, different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200 and 400 ppm) of both SeNPs and CeONPs were used. The concentration of 400 ppm most promoted the DPPH, ABTS and reducing power activity of both SeNPs and CeONPs. This study is considered the first biocompatible approach to evaluate the potential of green synthesized SeNPs and CeONPs to improve the health of yellow, or stripe rust, infected wheat plants and to provide an effective management strategy to inhibit the growth of Puccinia striformis.

Biogenesis of silver nanoparticles to treat cancer, diabetes, and microbial infections: a mechanistic overview.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) by harnessing the natural abilities of plant secondary metabolites has advantages over routine physical and chemical synthetic approaches due to their one-step experimental setup to reduce and stabilize the bulk silver into SNPs, biocompatible nature, and therapeutic significance. The unique size, shape, and biochemical functional corona of SNPs embellish them with the potential to perform therapeutic actions by adopting various mechanistic approaches including but not limited to the disruption of the electron transport chain, mitochondrial damage, DNA fragmentation, inhibition of ATP synthase activity, disorganization of the cell membrane, suspension of cellular signaling pathways, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of enzymes activity. This review elaborates the biogenic synthesis of SNPs in redox chemical reactions by using plant secondary metabolites found in plant extracts. In addition, it explains the synergistic influence of physicochemical reaction parameters such as the temperature, pH, the concentration of the AgNO3, and the ratio of reactants to affect the reaction kinetics, molecular mechanics, enzymatic catalysis, and protein conformations that aid to affect the size, shape, and potential biochemical corona of nanoparticles. This review also provides up-to-date information on the mechanistic actions that embellish the plant-based SNPs, an anticancer, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potential. The mechanistic understanding of the therapeutic actions of SNPs will help in precision medicine to develop customized treatment and healthcare approaches for the welfare of the human population. KEY POINTS: • Significance of the biogenic nanoparticles • Biomedical application potential of the plant-based silver nanoparticles • Mechanism of the anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial actions of the plant-based silver nanoparticles.

Biosynthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and its effects along with calcium phosphate on physicochemical attributes of wheat under drought stress.

Drought stress is reducing the production of crops globally. This research was designed to evaluate the role of titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs) nanoparticles and calcium phosphate on wheat facing drought stress. TiO2 NPs were prepared by green synthesis and their characterization (by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX)) was also done. The results showed that TiO2 NPs worked efficiently and improved plant growth under drought. However, the best results were obtained from combined applications of 40 ppm TiO2 NPs and 40 ppm calcium phosphate on plants. They increased root length (33%), shoot length (53%), fresh weight (48%), and dry weight (44%) of wheat as compared to control. The physiological parameters including chlorophyll content, relative water content, membrane stability index, and osmolyte content (proline and sugar) were also improved. The increase in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and, catalase activity by the combined application of TiO2 NPs and calcium phosphate was 83% and 78%, 74% and 52%, 81%, and 67% in Pakistan-13 and Zincol-16 respectively, as compared to untreated drought exposed plants. They also enhanced the nutrients uptake (including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen) that ultimately improved plant biomass. They also maintained the level of growth hormones in plants. These hormones regulate cellular processes and are responsible for germination, development, and plant reaction in drought stress. The increase in the yield was also significant, hence it is recommended that the 40 ppm concentration of TiO2 NPs along with calcium phosphate improves the productivity of wheat under drought stress.

Gel-free/label-free proteomic analysis of wheat shoot in stress tolerant varieties under iron nanoparticles exposure.

Iron nanoparticles (Fe NPs) have stimulatory effects on the germination ratio and plant growth of wheat. To elucidate the effects of Fe NPs on shoot of drought tolerant Pakistan-13 and salt tolerant NARC-11, a gel-free/label-free proteomic technique was used. The weights/lengths of seedling, shoot, and root of wheat varieties were increased on 5ppm Fe NPs exposure. The number of proteins related to photosynthesis and protein metabolism was decreased and increased in drought tolerant variety and salt tolerant variety, respectively, treated with Fe NPs compared to untreated plants. Differentially changed proteins in drought tolerant variety and salt tolerant variety were mainly related to photosynthesis. Out of photosynthesis related proteins, light reaction was enhanced in salt tolerant variety compared to drought tolerant variety on Fe NPs exposure. The abundance of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small chain in drought tolerant variety was higher than that in salt tolerant variety; however, in salt tolerant variety, it was increased 3 fold by Fe NPs exposure compared to untreated plant. These results suggest that Fe NPs improve the growth of wheat seedling, which might be associated with the increase of protein abundance in photosynthesis in salt tolerant variety.

Proteomic and physiological analyses of wheat seeds exposed to copper and iron nanoparticles.

To elucidate the role of Cu and Fe NPs on the yield of wheat varieties, a gel-free proteomic technique was used. NPs were synthesized and characterized through zeta potential, EDX, and SEM. Spike length, number of grains per spike, and 1000 grain weight were increased in wheat varieties treated with 25ppm Cu and Fe NPs. On treatment with 25ppm Cu and Fe NPs, a total of 58, 121, and 25 proteins were changed in abundance in wheat seeds of galaxy-13, Pakistan-13, and NARC-11, respectively. In galaxy-13, exposure to Cu NPs increased proteins involved in starch degradation and glycolysis. Furthermore, the number of proteins related to starch degradation, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle was increased in galaxy-13 on Fe NPs exposure. Proteins related to glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle was increased in Pakistan-13 and NARC-11 by Fe NPs exposure. The sugar content and SOD activity was increased in wheat seeds treated with Cu and Fe NPs. The Cu content was increased at 25ppm Cu NPs exposure in seeds of wheat varieties. These results suggest that Cu NPs improved stress tolerance in wheat varieties by mediating the process of starch degradation, glycolysis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle through NPs uptake.

Heat and Wheat: Adaptation strategies with respect to heat shock proteins and antioxidant potential; an era of climate change.

Extreme changes in weather including heat-wave and high-temperature fluctuations are predicted to increase in intensity and duration due to climate change. Wheat being a major staple crop is under severe threat of heat stress especially during the grain-filling stage. Widespread food insecurity underscores the critical need to comprehend crop responses to forthcoming climatic shifts, pivotal for devising adaptive strategies ensuring sustainable crop productivity. This review addresses insights concerning antioxidant, physiological, molecular impacts, tolerance mechanisms, and nanotechnology-based strategies and how wheat copes with heat stress at the reproductive stage. In this study stress resilience strategies were documented for sustainable grain production under heat stress at reproductive stage. Additionally, the mechanisms of heat resilience including gene expression, nanomaterials that trigger transcription factors, (HSPs) during stress, and physiological and antioxidant traits were explored. The most reliable method to improve plant resilience to heat stress must include nano-biotechnology-based strategies, such as the adoption of nano-fertilizers in climate-smart practices and the use of advanced molecular approaches. Notably, the novel resistance genes through advanced molecular approach and nanomaterials exhibit promise for incorporation into wheat cultivars, conferring resilience against imminent adverse environmental conditions. This review will help scientific communities in thermo-tolerance wheat cultivars and new emerging strategies to mitigate the deleterious impact of heat stress.

Nanowarriors from Mentha: Unleashing Nature's Antimicrobial Arsenal with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Medicinal plant-based cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) possessed excellent antimicrobial properties against multiple strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The CeO2NPs are popular because their electropositive charged surface causes oxidation of plasma membrane and facilitates the penetration of CeO2NPs inside the pathogen body. In the present research work, CeO2NPs stabilized with Mentha leaf extract; as a result, nanoparticles surface-bonded with various functional groups of phytochemicals which enhanced the therapeutic potential of CeO2NPs. The inhibition percentage of CeO2NPs was evaluated against eight pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis; Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Comamonas sp., Halobacterium sp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae; and plant bacteria Xanthomonas sp. The antifungal properties of CeO2NPs were evaluated against three pathogenic fungal species Bipolaris sorokiniana, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum via the streak plate method. The antimicrobial inhibitory activity of CeO2NPs was good to excellent. The current research work clearly shows that three different medicinal plants Mentha royleana, Mentha longifolia, and Mentha arvensis based CeO2NPs, variation in nanoparticle sizes, and surface-to-volume ratio of green CeO2NPs are three factors responsible to generate and provoke antimicrobial activities of CeO2NPs against human pathogenic bacteria and plant infecting fungi. The results show that CeO2NPs possessed good antimicrobial properties and are effective to use for pharmaceutical applications and as a food preservative because of low toxicity, organic coating, and acceptable antimicrobial properties. This study showed a rapid and well-organized method to prepare stable phytochemical-coated CeO2NPs with three different plants M. royleana, M. longifolia, and M. arvensis with remarkable antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction.

Arachis hypogaea is the most significant oilseed nutritious legume crop in agricultural trade across the world. It is recognized as a valued crop for its contributions to nourishing food, as a cooking oil, and for meeting the protein needs of people who are unable to afford animal protein. Currently, its production, marketability, and consumption are hindered because of Aspergillus species infection that consequently contaminates the kernels with aflatoxins. Regarding health concerns, humans and animals are affected by acute and chronic aflatoxin toxicity and millions of people are at high risk of chronic levels. Most methods used to store peanuts are traditional and serve effectively for short-term storage. Now the question for long-term storage has been raised, and this promptly finds potential approaches to the issue. It is imperative to reduce the aflatoxin levels in peanuts to a permissible level by introducing detoxifying innovations. Most of the detoxification reports mention physical, chemical, and biological techniques. However, many current approaches are impractical because of time consumption, loss of nutritional quality, or weak detoxifying efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate practical, economical, and green methods to control Aspergillus flavus that address current global food security problems. Herein, a green and economically revolutionary way is a nanotechnology that has demonstrated its potential to connect farmers to markets, elevate international marketability, improve human and animal health conditions, and enhance food quality and safety by the management of fungal diseases. Due to the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticles, they act as nanofungicides and have an incredible role in the control of aflatoxins. Nanoparticles have ultrasmall sizes and therefore penetrate the fungal body and invade the pathogen machinery, leading to fungal cell death by ROS production, mutation in DNA, disruption of organelles, and membrane leakage. This is the first mechanistic overview that unveils a comprehensive insight into aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, its prevalence, health effects, and management in addition to nanotechnological interventions that serve as a triple defense approach to detoxify aflatoxins. The optimum use of nanofungicides ensures food safety and the development of goals, especially "zero hunger".

Liver-boosting potential: chicory compound-mediated silver nanoparticles for hepatoprotection-biochemical and histopathological insights.

Background: Liver disease is a serious health concern in today's world, posing a challenge to both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies. Most synthetic drugs and chemicals cause liver damage accounting for approximately 10% of acute hepatitis and 50% of acute liver failure. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the hepato-protective activity of an extract of chicory formulation assisted by silver nanoparticles against carbon tetra chloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in rat's liver. Methods: Rats of the Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) were used to test the in vivo hepato-protective efficacy at various doses. Rats were randomly divided into nine groups, each containing six rats. The groups were as follows: first group (control), second group (CCl4), third group, silymarin (20 mg/kg of body weight), fourth group (CCl4+chicory) (1.75 mg/kg of b. wt), fifth group (CCl4 + chicory at the dose of 2.35 mg/kg), sixth group (CCl4 + chicory of 3.25 mg/kg), seventh group (CCl4 +AgNPs 1.75 mg/kg of b. wt.), eighth group (CCl4 + AgNPs 2.35 mg/kg of body weight), and ninth group (CCl4 + AgNPs 3.25 mg/kg of b. wt.). Blood samples were taken 24 h after the last administration (i.e., 30th day). The blood samples were analyzed for different serum enzymes such as ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), bilirubin (Blr), triglyceride, and cholesterol. Histology liver sections were performed. Results: Treatment with AgNPs and chicory extract showed significant hepato-protective activity in a dose-dependent manner. In three doses, the chicory extract at a rate of 3.25 mg/kg of body weight significantly reduced elevated levels of biochemical markers in comparison to CCl4-intoxicated rats. Histology of the liver sections from CCl4-treated rats revealed inflammation of hepatocytes, necrosis, cytoplasmic degeneration, vacuolization, and a deformed central vein. The chicory formulation extract exhibited a remarkable recovery percentage in the liver architecture that was higher than the drug (i.e., silymarin). While treatment with AgNPs also repaired the degenerative changes and restored the normal form of the liver, chicory formulation extract possessed more hepato-protective potential as compared to AgNPs by regulating biochemical and histo-pathological parameters. Conclusion: This study can be used as confirmation of the hepato-protective potential of chicory compounds for possible use in the development programs of drugs to treat liver diseases.

Nanotechnology for controlling mango malformation: a promising approach.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the world with yields of approximately 40 million tons annually and its production continues to decrease every year as a result of the attack of certain pathogens i.e. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Erythricium salmonicolor, Amritodus atkinsoni, Idioscopus clypealis, Idioscopus nitidulus, Bactrocera obliqua, Bactrocera frauenfeldi, Xanthomonas campestris, and Fusarium mangiferae. So F. mangiferae is the most harmful pathogen that causes mango malformation disease in mango which decreases its 90% yield. Nanotechnology is an eco-friendly and has a promising effect over traditional methods to cure fungal diseases. Different nanoparticles possess antifungal potential in terms of controlling the fungal diseases in plants but applications of nanotechnology in plant disease managements is minimal. The main focus of this review is to highlight the previous and current strategies to control mango malformation and highlights the promising applications of nanomaterials in combating mango malformation. Hence, the present review aims to provide brief information on the disease and effective management strategies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Exposure of Caralluma tuberculata to biogenic selenium nanoparticles as in vitro rooting agent: Stimulates morpho-physiological and antioxidant defense system.

The commercial-scale production of Caralluma tuberculata faces significant challenges due to lower seed viability and sluggish rate of root growth in natural conditions. To overcome these obstacles, using phyto-mediated selenium nanomaterials as an in vitro rooting agent in plant in vitro cultures is a promising approach to facilitate rapid propagation and enhance the production of valuable therapeutic compounds. This study aimed to investigate the impact of phytosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the morphological growth attributes, physiological status, and secondary metabolite fabrication in in vitro propagated Caralluma tuberculata. The results demonstrated that a lower dose of SeNPs (100 µg/L) along with plant growth regulators (IBA 1 mg/L) had an affirmative effect on growth parameters and promoted earliest root initiation (4.6±0.98 days), highest rooting frequency (68.21±5.12%), number of roots (6.3±1.8), maximum fresh weight (710±6.01 mg) and dry weight (549.89±6.77 mg). However, higher levels of SeNPs (200 and 400 µg/L) in the growth media proved detrimental to growth and development. Further, stress caused by SeNPs at 100 µg/L along with PGRs (IBA 1 mg/L) produced a higher level of total chlorophyll contents (32.66± 4.36 µg/ml), while cultures exposed to 200 µg/L SeNPs alone exhibited the maximum amount of proline contents (10.5± 1.32 µg/ml). Interestingly, exposure to 400 µg/L SeNPs induced a stress response in the cultures, leading to increased levels of total phenolic content (3.4 ± 0.052), total flavonoid content (1.8 ± 0.034), and antioxidant activity 82 ± 4.8%). Furthermore, the combination of 100 µg/L SeNPs and plant growth regulators (1 mg/L IBA) led to accelerated enzymatic antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD = 4.4 ± 0.067 U/mg), peroxidase dismutase (POD = 3.3 ± 0.043 U/mg), catalase (CAT = 2.8 ± 0.048 U/mg), and ascorbate peroxidase (APx = 1.6 ± 0.082 U/mg). This is the first report that highlights the efficacy of SeNPs in culture media and presents a promising approach for the commercial propagation of C. tuberculata with a strong antioxidant defense system in vitro.

Insight into carbohydrate metabolism, protein quantification and mineral regulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by the action of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against heat stress.

In the present investigation, the role of GS-AgNPs treatment in wheat plants was carried out in reducing heat stress with the aim of facilitating scientists on this topic. The effect of GS-AgNPs against heat stress has rarely been deliberated in wheat plants, and only a few studies have been established earlier in this scenario. This work illustrated the effect of GS-AgNPs on the regulation of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals changes in wheat plants. Data were analysed using PCA analysis, correlation parameters, and normal probability distribution in PAST 3 software. The results indicated that heat stress alone caused severe changes in carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, proteins, crude fibers, and minerals immediately so that plants could not recover without foreign stabilizers such as GS-AgNPs. The application of GS-AgNPs increases the flux of carbohydrates metabolism, SOD, and proteins, including HSPs, crude fibers, and minerals, in wheat plants to reduce the effect of heat stress. The 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs has shown an increase in carbohydrates metabolism and SOD activity, while crude fibres have shown a significant enhancement at 100 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. The crude and true proteins were also shown pronounced increase in treatment to a concentration of 50 mg/l of GS-AgNPs. GS-AgNPs stimulated HSP production; most importantly, smHSP production was observed in the present results with other HSPs in wheat plants treated with a 50 mg/l concentration of GS-AgNPs. The mineral distribution was also regulated by the respective treatment of GS-AgNPs, and the highest amounts of Ca, P and Fe were found to be highest in wheat under heat stress. In general, we computed the expected model based on GS-AgNPs on the genes/factors that respond to heat stress and their potential role in mitigating heat stress in wheat. In addition, we discussed the prospective signalling pathway triggered by GS-AgNPs in wheat against heat stress. In the future, this work might be helpful in distinguishing the genetic variation due to GS-AgNPs in promoting tolerance in wheat against heat stress.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Potential of Phytogenic Selenium Nanoparticle- and Light Regime-Mediated In Vitro Caralluma tuberculata Callus Culture Extract.

In vitro plant cultures have emerged as a viable source, holding auspicious reservoirs for medicinal applications. This study aims to delineate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of phytosynthesized selenium nanoparticle (SeNP)- and light stress-mediated in vitro callus cultures of Caralluma tuberculata extract. The morphophysicochemical characteristics of biogenic SeNPs were assessed through a combination of analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-rays, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and zeta potential spectroscopy. The antioxidative potential of the callus extract 200 and 800 µg/mL concentrations was assessed through various tests and exhibited pronounced scavenging potential in reducing power (26.29%), ABTS + scavenging (42.51%), hydrogen peroxide inhibition (37.26%), hydroxyl radical scavenging (40.23%), and phosphomolybdate (71.66%), respectively. To inspect the hypoglycemic capacity of the callus extract, various assays consistently demonstrated a dosage-dependent relationship, with higher concentrations of the callus extract exerting a potent inhibitory impact on the catalytic sites of the alpha-amylase (78.24%), alpha-glucosidase (71.55%), antisucrase (59.24%), and antilipase (74.26%) enzyme activities, glucose uptake by yeast cells at 5, 10, and 25 mmol/L glucose solution (72.18, 60.58 and 69.33%), and glucose adsorption capacity at 5, 10, and 25 mmol/L glucose solution (74.37, 83.55, and 86.49%), respectively. The findings of this study propose selenium NPs and light-stress-mediated in vitro callus cultures of C. tuberculata potentially operating as competitive inhibitors. The outcomes of the study were exceptional and hold promising implications for future medicinal applications.

Antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of phytogenic cerium oxide nanoparticles.

Plants provide humans with more than just food and shelter; they are also a major source of medications. The purpose of this research was to investigate the antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential of green synthesized CeONPs using Mentha royleana leaves extract. The morphological and physicochemical features of CeONPs were evaluated by UV-Visible spectrophotometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-rays and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, Dynamic light scattering, Atomic Force Microscopy, Zeta Potential. The average size range of synthesized CeONPs diameter between 46 and 56 nm, crystalline in shape, with Polydispersity index value of 0.2 and subatomic particles mean diameter was 4.5-9.1 nm. The antioxidant capability of CeONPs was assessed using DPPH, ABTS+, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and reducing power tests. The hypoglycemic potential of CeONPs was investigated using alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, glucose absorption by yeast cells, and antisucrase. The effective concentrations were 500 and 1000 µg/ml found good in suppressing radical species. To explore the hypoglycemic potential of CeONPs, alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, glucose absorption by yeast cell, and antisucrase assays were performed. Glucose absorb by yeast cells assay was tested for three distinct glucose concentrations: 5 mmol/L, 10 mmol/L, and 25 mmol/L. Green synthesize CeONPs showed a dose-dependent response, higher concentrations of CeONPs imposed a stronger inhibitory impact on the catalytic site of enzymes. This study suggest that CeONPs could possibly binds to the charge carrying species and act as competitive inhibitor which slow down the enzyme substrate reaction and prevents enzymatic degradation. The study's findings were outstanding, which bodes well for future medicinal applications of CeONPs.

Phytomediated Selenium Nanoparticles Improved Physio-morphological, Antioxidant, and Oil Bioactive Compounds of Sesame under Induced Biotic Stress.

Vegetable oil consumption is expected to reach almost 200 billion kilograms by 2030 in the world and almost 2.97 million tons in Pakistan. A large quantity of edible oil is imported annually from other countries to fill the gap between local production and consumption. Compared to other edible oil crops such as soybean, rapeseed, peanut and olive, sesame has innately higher (55%) oil content, which makes it an excellent candidate to be considered to meet local edible oil production. Oil seed crops, especially sesame, are affected by various pathogens, which results in decreased oil production with low quality oil. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) work synergistically, as it has antifungal activity along with improving plant growth. Different concentrations of SeNPs were used, on three different varieties of sesame (TS-5, TH-6, and Till-18). Plant growth and development were accelerated by SeNPs, which ultimately led to an increase in crop yield. Morphological parameters revealed that SeNPs resulted in a growth increase of 55.7% in root length, 48% increase in leaf number/plant, and 38% in stem diameter. Out of three sesame varieties, TS-5 seedlings treated with 40 mg/L SeNPs showed 96.7% germination and 53% SVI at 40 mg/L. Sesame varieties dramatically increased antioxidant capability using SeNPs, resulting in 147% increase in SOD and 140% increase in POD enzyme units in TH-6 and 76% elevation in CAT enzymes in TS-5 (mean ± S.E). GCMS analysis revealed that bioactive compound I, sesamin, sesamol, and tocopherol contents were increased along with enhanced production of different unsaturated fatty acids. Kegg pathway analysis and MSEA revealed that these compounds were mainly involved in biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that SeNPs have elicited the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linoleic acid. This study concluded that SeNPs (40 mg/L) have an excellent capability to be used for crop improvement along with better oil quality.