Understanding the role of boron in plant adaptation to soil salinity.

Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint affecting the sustainability and profitability of agricultural production systems. Salinity stress tolerance has been present in wild crop relatives but then lost, or significantly weakened, during their domestication. Given the genetic and physiological complexity of salinity tolerance traits, agronomical solutions may be a suitable alternative to crop breeding for improved salinity stress tolerance. One of them is optimizing fertilization practices to assist plants in dealing with elevated salt levels in the soil. In this review, we analyse the causal relationship between the availability of boron (an essential metalloid micronutrient) and plant's adaptive responses to salinity stress at the whole-plant, cellular, and molecular levels, and a possibility of using boron for salt stress mitigation. The topics covered include the impact of salinity and the role of boron in cell wall remodelling, plasma membrane integrity, hormonal signalling, and operation of various membrane transporters mediating plant ionic and water homeostasis. Of specific interest is the role of boron in the regulation of H+-ATPase activity whose operation is essential for the control of a broad range of voltage-gated ion channels. The complex relationship between boron availability and expression patterns and the operation of aquaporins is also discussed.

Valency-based structural properties of gamma-sheet of boron clusters.

Boron cluster sheets are two-dimensional boron atom-based formations called borophene. They are similar to the two-dimensional sheet known as graphene, which is composed of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of borophene make it a sought-after substance for a variety of uses, such as catalysis, energy storage, and electronics. There are two ways to manufacture borophene: chemical vapor deposition and molecular beam epitaxy. Vertex-edge valency-based topological descriptors are a great example of a molecular descriptor that provides information on the connection of atoms in a molecule. These descriptions are based on the notion that a node's value in a molecular network is the sum of the valency of those atoms that are directly connected to that node. In this article, we discussed some novel vertex-edge (ve) and edge-vertex (ev) topological descriptors and found their formulations for the boron cluster or borophene sheets. Also, we show the numerical and graphical comparison of these descriptors in this article.

Boron catalysis in a designer enzyme.

Enzymes play an increasingly important role in improving the benignity and efficiency of chemical production, yet the diversity of their applications lags heavily behind chemical catalysts as a result of the relatively narrow range of reaction mechanisms of enzymes. The creation of enzymes containing non-biological functionalities facilitates reaction mechanisms outside nature's canon and paves the way towards fully programmable biocatalysis1-3. Here we present a completely genetically encoded boronic-acid-containing designer enzyme with organocatalytic reactivity not achievable with natural or engineered biocatalysts4,5. This boron enzyme catalyses the kinetic resolution of hydroxyketones by oxime formation, in which crucial interactions with the protein scaffold assist in the catalysis. A directed evolution campaign led to a variant with natural-enzyme-like enantioselectivities for several different substrates. The unique activation mode of the boron enzyme was confirmed using X-ray crystallography, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and 11B NMR spectroscopy. Our study demonstrates that genetic-code expansion can be used to create evolvable enantioselective enzymes that rely on xenobiotic catalytic moieties such as boronic acids and access reaction mechanisms not reachable through catalytic promiscuity of natural or engineered enzymes.

Optoelectronic Response to the Fluor Ion Bond on 4-(4,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)benzaldehyde.

Boronate esters are a class of compounds containing a boron atom bonded to two oxygen atoms in an ester group, often being used as precursors in the synthesis of other materials. The characterization of the structure and properties of esters is usually carried out by UV-visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques. With the aim to better understand our experimental data, in this article, the density functional theory (DFT) is used to analyze the UV-visible and infrared spectra, as well as the isotropic shielding and chemical shifts of the hydrogen atoms 1H, carbon 13C and boron 11B in the compound 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)benzaldehyde. Furthermore, this study considers the change in its electronic and spectroscopic properties of this particular ester, when its boron atom is coordinated with a fluoride anion. The calculations were carried out using the LSDA and B3LYP functionals in Gaussian-16, and PBE in CASTEP. The results show that the B3LYP functional gives the best approximation to the experimental data. The formation of a coordinated covalent B-F bond highlights the remarkable sensitivity of the NMR chemical shifts of carbon, oxygen, and boron atoms and their surroundings. Furthermore, this bond also highlights the changes in the electron transitions bands n → π* and π → π* during the absorption and emission of a photon in the UV-vis, and in the stretching bands of the C=C bonds, and bending of BO2 in the infrared spectrum. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the properties of boronate esters but also provides important information on the interactions and responses optoelectronic of the compound when is bonded to a fluorine atom.

Boron Cluster Renders Organic Radicals Water-Stable for Photothermal Anti-Infections.

Water-stable organic radicals are promising photothermal conversion candidates for photothermal therapy (PTT). However, organic radicals are usually unstable in biological environments, which greatly hinders their wide application. Here, we have developed a chaotropic effect-based and photoinduced water-stable supramolecular radical (MB12-2) for efficient antibacterial PTT. The supramolecular radical precursor MB12-1 was constructed by the chaotropic effect between closo-dodecaborate cluster (B12H122-) and N,N'-dimethylated dipyridinium thiazolo [5,4-d] thiazole (MPT2+). Subsequently, with triethanolamine (TEOA) serving as an electron donor, MB12-1 could transform to its radical form MB12-2 through photoinduced electron transfer (PET) under 435-nm laser irradiation. The N2 adsorption-desorption analysis confirmed that MB12-2 was tightly packed through the introduction of B12H122-, which effectively enhanced its stability via a spatial site-blocked effect. Moreover, the half-life of MB12-2 in water was calculated through ultraviolet-visible light (UV-vis) absorption spectra results for periods as long as 20 days. In addition, in the skin infection model, MB12-2, as a wound dressing, showed remarkable photothermal antibacterial activity (>97%) under 660-nm laser irradiation and promoted wound healing. This study presents a simple method for designing long-term water-stable supramolecular radicals, offering a novel avenue for noncontact treatments for bacterial infections.

Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India.

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013-2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha-1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha-1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha-1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha-1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha-1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

Electrochemical degradation of diclofenac generates unexpected thyroidogenic transformation products: Implications for environmental risk assessment.

Diclofenac (DCF) is an environmentally persistent, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with thyroid disrupting properties. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (eAOPs) can efficiently remove NSAIDs from wastewater. However, eAOPs can generate transformation products (TPs) with unknown chemical and biological characteristics. In this study, DCF was electrochemically degraded using a boron-doped diamond anode. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze the TPs of DCF and elucidate its potential degradation pathways. The biological impact of DCF and its TPs was evaluated using the Xenopus Eleutheroembryo Thyroid Assay, employing a transgenic amphibian model to assess thyroid axis activity. As DCF degradation progressed, in vivo thyroid activity transitioned from anti-thyroid in non-treated samples to pro-thyroid in intermediately treated samples, implying the emergence of thyroid-active TPs with distinct modes of action compared to DCF. Molecular docking analysis revealed that certain TPs bind to the thyroid receptor, potentially triggering thyroid hormone-like responses. Moreover, acute toxicity occurred in intermediately degraded samples, indicating the generation of TPs exhibiting higher toxicity than DCF. Both acute toxicity and thyroid effects were mitigated with a prolonged degradation time. This study highlights the importance of integrating in vivo bioassays in the environmental risk assessment of novel degradation processes.

Macrophages as carriers of boron carbide nanoparticles dedicated to boron neutron capture therapy.

BACKGROUND: The use of cells as carriers for the delivery of nanoparticles is a promising approach in anticancer therapy, mainly due to their natural properties, such as biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity. Cellular carriers prevent the rapid degradation of nanoparticles, improve their distribution, reduce cytotoxicity and ensure selective delivery to the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, we propose the use of phagocytic cells as boron carbide nanoparticle carriers for boron delivery to the tumor microenvironment in boron neutron capture therapy. RESULTS: Macrophages originating from cell lines and bone marrow showed a greater ability to interact with boron carbide (B4C) than dendritic cells, especially the preparation containing larger nanoparticles (B4C 2). Consequently, B4C 2 caused greater toxicity and induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by these cells. However, migration assays demonstrated that macrophages loaded with B4C 1 migrated more efficiently than with B4C 2. Therefore, smaller nanoparticles (B4C 1) with lower toxicity but similar ability to activate macrophages proved to be more attractive. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages could be promising cellular carriers for boron carbide nanoparticle delivery, especially B4C 1 to the tumor microenvironment and thus prospective use in boron neutron capture therapy.

Novel, fast, and reliable electrochemical dsDNA biosensor based on O-terminated pristine nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond electrode for DNA interaction studies.

We present a novel application of a nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond electrode (B-NCDE) for the construction of an electrochemical DNA biosensor based on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) for various bioanalytical applications. Surface characterization of the transducer surface (prior and after the fabrication of negatively charged O-terminated surface - O-B-NCDE) was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) that was further used for the voltammetric determination, scan rate dependence investigation, and repeatability examination of dsDNA electrochemical oxidation at the O-B-NCDE. The fabrication of a dsDNA/O-B-NCDE biosensor via electrostatic adsorption of dsDNA involved a thorough optimization process of deposition potential (Edep), deposition time (tdep), and optimal saturation concentration (cg(satur)) with optimal values of 0.3 V, 3 min, and 10 mg/mL. The bioanalytical applicability of the fabricated dsDNA/O-B-NCDE biosensor was verified by examining the nature of the interaction between dsDNA and five selected DNA intercalators - namely thioridazine hydrochloride (TR), trimipramine maleate (TRIM), levomepromazine maleate (LEV), imipramine hydrochloride (IMI), and prochlorperazine maleate (PER) - where intercalation was proven for all of the five tested compounds. Moreover, the proposed novel bioanalytical test offers the possibility to selectively distinguish between the phenothiazine representatives (TR, LEV, and PER) and representatives of tricyclic antidepressants group (TRIM and IMI).

Biofouling and performance of boron-doped diamond electrodes for detection of dopamine and serotonin in neuron cultivation media.

Boron doped diamond has been considered as a fouling-resistive electrode material for in vitro and in vivo detection of neurotransmitters. In this study, its performance in electrochemical detection of dopamine and serotonin in neuron cultivation media Neurobasal™ before and after cultivation of rat neurons was investigated. For differential pulse voltammetry the limits of detection in neat Neurobasal™ medium of 2 µM and 0.2 µM for dopamine and serotonin, respectively, were achieved on the polished surface, which is comparable with physiological values. On oxidized surface twofold higher values, but increased repeatabilities of the signals were obtained. However, in Neurobasal™ media with peptides-containing supplements necessary for cell cultivation, the voltammograms were notably worse shaped due to biofouling, especially in the medium isolated after neuron growth. In these complex media, the amperometric detection mode at +0.75 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) allowed to detect portion-wise additions of dopamine and serotonin (as low as 1-2 µM), mimicking neurotransmitter release from vesicles despite the lower sensitivity in comparison with neat NeurobasalTM. The results indicate substantial differences in detection on boron doped diamond electrode in the presence and absence of proteins, and the necessity of studies in real media for successful implementation to neuron-electrode interfaces.

Golgi-localized APYRASE 1 is critical for Arabidopsis growth by affecting cell wall integrity under boron deficiency.

Many nucleoside triphosphate-diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases/APYRASEs, APYs) play a key role in modulating extracellular nucleotide levels. However, the Golgi-localized APYs, which help control glycosylation, have rarely been studied. Here, we identified AtAPY1, a gene encoding an NTPDase in the Golgi apparatus, which is required for cell wall integrity and plant growth under boron (B) limited availability. Loss of function in AtAPY1 hindered cell elongation and division in root tips while increasing the number of cortical cell layers, leading to swelling of the root tip and abundant root hairs under low B stress. Further, expression pattern analysis revealed that B deficiency significantly induced AtAPY1, especially in the root meristem and stele. Fluorescent-labeled AtAPY1-GFP localized to the Golgi stack. Biochemical analysis showed that AtAPY1 exhibited a preference of UDP and GDP hydrolysis activities. Consequently, the loss of function in AtAPY1 might disturb the homoeostasis of NMP-driven NDP-sugar transport, which was closely related to the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides. Further, cell wall-composition analysis showed that pectin content increased and borate-dimerized RG-II decreased in apy1 mutants, along with a decrease in cellulose content. Eventually, altered polysaccharide characteristics presumably cause growth defects in apy1 mutants under B deficiency. Altogether, these data strongly support a novel role for AtAPY1 in mediating responses to low B availability by regulating cell wall integrity.

Carborane-FAPI conjugate: A potential FAP-targeted boron agent with improved boron content.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has received extensive attention as an advanced binary radiotherapy method. However, BNCT still faces poor selectivity of boron agent and is insufficient boron content in tumor tissues. To improve the tumor-targeted ability and boron content, this research aims to design, synthesize and preliminary evaluate a new borane agent Carborane-FAPI, which coupling the o-carborane to the compound skeleton of a mature fibroblast activating protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI). FAP is a tumor-associated antigen. FAP expressed lowly in normal organs and highly expressed in tumors, so it is a potential target for diagnosis and treatment. Boronophenylalanine (BPA) is the most widely investigated BNCT drug in present. Compared with BPA, the boron content of a single molecule is increased and drug targeting is enhanced. The results show that Carboaren-FAPI has low toxicity to normal cells, and selective enrichment in tumor tissues. It is a promising boron drug that has the potential to be used in BNCT.

Effect of intra-abdominal boric acid in the experimental adhesion model.

BACKGROUND: The continuous advancement in medical and surgical techniques has led to a rise in the frequency of abdominal operations, subsequently increasing the incidence of intra-abdominal adhesions. Over 90% of laparotomies result in postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. This study investigates the effect of a 5% boric acid solution on the development of intra-abdominal adhesions in rats, using an adhesion model. METHODS: This study was conducted with two groups: a control group, in which the adhesion model was applied without any treatment, and a boric acid group, which was treated with a 5% boric acid solution. Each group comprised 16 rats. On the 14th postoperative day, the rats were sacrificed, re-explored, and the developed adhesions were evaluated both macroscopically and microscopically. The data from macroscopic and microscopic scoring were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test in the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics 24 program. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This research was supported by the Manisa Celal Bayar University Scientific Research Projects Commission. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between the boric acid-treated group and the control group, with the boric acid group showing a significant decrease in adhesion development both macroscopically and microscopically (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the future, boron could play a significant role in reducing and preventing intra-abdominal adhesions after surgery. This investigation could pave the way for further research into the mechanism by which boric acid prevents the development of intra-abdominal adhesions. Moreover, it is imperative to explore the potential side effects of intra-abdominal boron application at the optimum concentration of the solution.

Carbon Dots Modified Multi Dopants Nitrogen and Boron for an Early Detection of Lead in the Environment.

The remarkable optical properties and strong biocompatibility of carbon dots make them highly promising for applications in biochemical sensing and environmental testing. These carbon dots possess a surface that is easily modifiable. In this study, carbon dots have been successfully synthesized and modified by the addition of N and B dopants using the microwave method, along with the functionalization of their surface functional groups with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The maximum fluorescence intensity of N, B-CDs is observed at 462 nm when excited at a wavelength of 352 nm. N, B-CDs have a spherical size with a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 nm, confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectra and the presence of functional groups in the FT-IR absorption patterns. BSA-functionalized N, B-CDs as the fluorescent probe demonstrate great potential as a sensor for Pb(II) ions in water, with a very low detection limit of 1.05 µg/L. This research could contribute to the development of fluorescence nanosensors.

Electrochemical needle sensor based on a B, N co-doped graphene microelectrode array for the on-site detection of salicylic acid in fruits and vegetables.

In this study, a microelectrode array sensor based on boron and nitrogen co-doped vertical graphene (BNVG) was assembled to quantify salicylic acid (SA) in living plants. The influence of B and N contents on the electrochemical reaction kinetics and SA response signal was investigated. A microneedle sensor with three optimized BNVG microelectrodes (3.57 at.% B and 3.27 at.% N) was used to quantitatively analyze SA in the 0.5-100 µM concentration range and pH 4.0-9.0, with limits of detection of 0.14-0.18 µM. Additionally, a quantitative electrochemical model database based on the BNVG microelectrode sensor was constructed to monitor the growth of cucumbers and cauliflowers, which confirmed that the SA level and plant growth rate were positively correlated. Moreover, the SA levels in various vegetables and fruits purchased from the market were measured to demonstrate the practical application prospects for on-site inspection and evaluation.

Photodynamic Therapy with Targeted Release of Boron-Dipyrromethene Dye from Cobalt(III) Prodrugs in Red Light.

Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are promising photosensitizers for cellular imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) owing to their excellent photophysical properties and the synthetically tunable core. Metalation provides a convenient way to overcome the drawbacks arising from their low aqueous solubility. New photo-/redox-responsive Co(III) prodrug chaperones are developed as anticancer PDT agents for efficient cellular delivery of red-light-active BODIPY dyes. The photobiological activity of heteroleptic Co(III) complexes derived from tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) and acetylacetone-conjugated PEGylated distyryl BODIPY (HL1) or its dibromo analogue (HL2), [CoIII(TPA)(L1/L2)](ClO4)2 (1 and 2), are investigated. The Co(III)/Co(II) redox potential is tuned using the Co(III)-TPA scaffold. Complex 1 displays the in vitro release of BODIPY on red light irradiation. Complex 2, having good singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ âˆ¼ 0.28 in DMSO), demonstrates submicromolar photocytotoxicity to HeLa cancer cells (IC50 ≈ 0.23 µM) while being less toxic to HPL1D normal cells in red light. Cellular imaging using the emissive complex 1 shows mitochondrial localization and significant penetration into the HeLa tumor spheroids. Complex 2 shows supercoiled DNA photocleavage activity and apoptotic cell death through phototriggered generation of reactive oxygen species. The Co(III)-BODIPY prodrug conjugates exemplify new type of phototherapeutic agents with better efficacy than the organic dyes alone in the phototherapeutic window.

Translational research of boron neutron capture therapy for spinal cord gliomas using rat model.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a type of targeted particle radiation therapy with potential applications at the cellular level. Spinal cord gliomas (SCGs) present a substantial challenge owing to their poor prognosis and the lack of effective postoperative treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of BNCT in a rat SCGs model employing the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale to assess postoperative locomotor activity. We confirmed the presence of adequate in vitro boron concentrations in F98 rat glioma and 9L rat gliosarcoma cells exposed to boronophenylalanine (BPA) and in vivo tumor boron concentration 2.5 h after intravenous BPA administration. In vivo neutron irradiation significantly enhanced survival in the BNCT group when compared with that in the untreated group, with a minimal BBB scale reduction in all sham-operated groups. These findings highlight the potential of BNCT as a promising treatment option for SCGs.

Unlocking the potential: phenylboronic acid as a nuclear-targeting boron agent for neutron capture therapy.

It has been proposed that boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) holds promise as a treatment modality for melanoma. However, the effectiveness of boron agents in delivery remains a critical issue to be addressed for BNCT. To this end, phenylboronic acid, which exhibits good water solubility and low cytotoxicity similar to BPA, has been investigated as a potential nuclear-targeting boron agent. The boron concentration of phenylboronic acid was found to be 74.47 ± 12.17 ng/106 B16F10 cells and 45.77 ± 5.64 ng/106 cells in the nuclei. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to investigate the binding of phenylboronic acid to importin proteins involved in nuclear transport. The potential of phenylboronic acid to serve as a desirable nucleus-delivery boron agent for neutron capture therapy in melanoma warrants further exploration.

Dual "on-off" signal conversion strategy based on surface plasmon coupling and resonance energy transfer for visual electrochemiluminescence ratiometric analysis of MiRNA-141.

An electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor with a pair of new ECL emitters and a novel sensing mechanism was designed for the high-sensitivity detection of microRNA-141 (miRNA-141). Sulfur-doped boron nitrogen quantum dots (S-BN QDs) were initially employed to modify the cathode of the bipolar electrode (BPE), while the anode reservoir was [Ir(dfppy)2(bpy)]PF6/TPrA system. The next step involved attaching H1-bound ultra-small WO3-x nanodots (WO3-x NDs) to the S-BN QDs-modified BPE cathode via DNA hybridization. A strong surface plasmon coupling (SPC) effect was observed between S-BN QDs and WO3-x NDs, which allowed for the enhancement of the red and visible ECL emission from S-BN QDs. After target-induced cyclic amplification to produce abundant Zn2+ and Au NPs-DNA3-Au NPs (Au NPs-S3-Au NPs), Zn2+ could cleave DNA at a nucleotide sequence-specific recognition site to release the WO3-x NDs, resulting in the first diminution of cathode ECL signal and the first enhancement of anode ECL signal. Moreover, the ECL signal at cathode decreased for the second time and the emission of [Ir(dfppy)2(bpy)]PF6 was continuously enhanced after the introduction of Au nanoparticles-S3-Au nanoparticles on the cathode surface. Our sensing mode with a dual "on-off" signal conversion strategy shows a good detection capability for miRNAs ranging from 10-17 to 10-10 M, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10-17 M, which has great application potential in biomedical research and clinical diagnosis.

Understanding boron toxicity in aquatic plants (Salvinia natans and Lemna minor) in the presence and absence of EDTA.

Even though boron is a widely used element in various industries and a contributor to water pollution worldwide, few studies have examined the toxicity of boron in aquatic plants. EDTA is used to maintain aquatic plants cultures, however it is possible to modify the toxicity of metals. The objective of this study is to assess the toxicity of boron in aquatic plants and explore the impact of EDTA presence on the resulting toxic responses. Floating watermoss Salvinia natans and duckweed Lemna minor were exposed to concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 mg/L for 7 days and 1 to 60 mg/L for 3 days, respectively. Growth and photosynthetic activity parameters were investigated in the presence and absence of EDTA. Growth inhibitions in both aquatic plants were observed in a concentration-dependent manner, irrespective of the presence or absence of EDTA. For instance, based on the specific growth rate (leaves coverage), EC10 values for S. natans were calculated as 12.7 (9.9-15.3) mg/L and 8.0 (5.8-10.3) mg/L with and without EDTA, respectively. In the case of L. minor, EC10 values were calculated as 1.3 (0.8-1.89) mg/L and 2.0 (0.4-4.3) mg/L with EDTA without EDTA, respectively. Significant effects were also observed on the photosynthetic capacity, however there was no change in the increase of boron concentration. Generally, negligible effects of EDTA to the toxicity of boron were observed in the present study. By comparing toxicity results based on the presence and absence of EDTA, which is an essential element in the test medium, the results of this study are expected to be utilized for the ecological risk assessment of boron in aquatic ecosystems.