Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are presently the most commonly generated engineered nanomaterials and are found in a wide range of agro-commercial products. The present study was designed to synthesize AgNPs biologically using Ochradenus arabicus leaves and investigate their effect on the morphophysiological properties of Maerua oblongifolia raised in vitro. Physicochemical methods (ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed for characterization and for obtaining microphotographs of the AgNPs. Shoots of M. oblongifolia (2–3 cm) grown in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg L−1) were used. Following 6 weeks of in vitro shoot regeneration, the shoot number, shoot length, leaf number, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content, total protein, proline level, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the plants were quantified. We found that 20 mg L−1 AgNPs increased the shoot number, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and chlorophyll content of the plants. The maximum total protein was recorded in plants that were administered the lowest dose of AgNPs (10 mg L−1), while high concentrations of AgNPs (40 and 50 mg L−1) increased the levels of proline and the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Our results indicate that green-synthesized AgNPs may be of agricultural and medicinal interest owing to their effects on plants in vitro.
Highlights
Nanotechnology is a new approach in the field of agriculture
Maerua oblongifolia is a rare plant found in Saudi Arabia that belongs to the family Capparaceae
AgNO3 reduction with O. arabicus leaves extract caused a visible color change on heating at 60 °C for 5 min; no color change was spotted in the control Ag solution Fig. 1a
Summary
Nanotechnology is a new approach in the field of agriculture. In recent years, rapid progress in the field of nanotechnology has enabled the synthesis of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) of different types, sizes, and morphologies[1]. Maerua oblongifolia is a rare plant found in Saudi Arabia that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is used as an antimicrobial agent and is used for treating several health conditions, such as fever, stomach ache, skin. There is a serious need to enhance the regeneration of M. oblongifolia with micropropagation[14,15] This can be achieved effectively with the application of NPs. Few studies have investigated the effect of AgNPs on the morphophysiological characteristics of plants. The objectives of the present study were to synthesize AgNPs and investigate their effect on the regeneration, biomass, and antioxidant enzyme activities of M. oblongifolia raised in vitro
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