Influence of PVP/PEG impregnated CuO NPs on physiological and biochemical characteristics of Trigonella foenum‐graecum L

Abstract

Incorporation of nanoparticles into a number of manufacturing products raised the concern of environmental release via deliberate or accidental routes. Here, experiments were performed to examine the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnated CuO NPs on seed germination and growth of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. as well as on callus induction through tissue culture technique. Seed germination frequency, length, and weight parameters did not inhibit at higher extent by application of NPs; however, copper acetate, PVP, and PEG significantly decreased the values of all parameters. In all the cases, negative effects were observed concentration-dependent. PVP and PEG impregnated CuO were found less toxic for calli fresh and dry weight induced from leaf and stem explants. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagent-free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidative potential, and total reducing power potential along with total flavonoid and phenolic contents are found elevated in root when compared with shoot. Furthermore, impregnation of PVP and PEG on CuO NPs increases the oxidative response. The results conclude that impregnation of organic molecules on nanoparticles does not reduce the toxicity though can be exploited for enhanced production of secondary metabolites for medicinal purposes.