Accumulation Of Ions Research Articles

The Effect of Silver Nanoparticle Addition on Micropropagation of Apricot Cultivars (Prunus armeniaca L.) in Semisolid and Liquid Media

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are novel compounds used as antimicrobial and antiviral agents. In addition, AgNPs have been used to improve the growth of different plants, as well as the in vitro multiplication of plant material. In this work the effect of AgNPs on in vitro growth of 'Canino' and 'Mirlo Rojo' cultivars, as well as the leaf ion composition, are studied. Different concentrations of AgNPs (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L-1) were added to two culture systems: semisolid medium with agar (SSM) in jars and liquid medium in temporary immersion system (TIS). Proliferation (number of shoots), shoot length, productivity (number of shoot × average length), leaf surface, fresh and dry weight were measured. Additionally, the silver and other ion accumulation in the leaves were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis. The productivity of 'Canino' and 'Mirlo Rojo' decreased when increasing the concentration of AgNPs in the semisolid medium. However, the use of AgNPs in the TIS improved the proliferation and productivity of 'Canino' and Mirlo Rojo', increasing biomass production, and the concentration of nutrients in the plants, although these effects are genotype-dependent. TISs are the best system for introducing silver into shoots, the optimum concentration being 50 mg L-1 for 'Canino' and 75 mg L-1 for 'Mirlo Rojo'. Principal component analysis, considering all the analyzed ions along the treatments, separates samples in two clear groups related to the culture system used. The use of bioreactors with a liquid medium has improved the productivity of 'Canino' and 'Mirlo Rojo' in the proliferation stage, avoiding hyperhydration and other disorders. The amount of metallic silver that penetrates apricot plant tissues depends on the culture system, cultivar and concentration of AgNPs added to the culture medium. Silver ion accumulation measured in the shoots grown in the TIS was higher than in shoots micropropagated in a semisolid medium, where it is barely detectable. Furthermore, AgNPs had a beneficial effect on plants grown in TIS. However, AgNPs had a detrimental effect when added to a semisolid medium.

Role of L-Type Calcium Channels in the Increased Fatigue of Rat Soleus Muscle under Functional Unloading

Excessive long-term accumulation of calcium ions in the myoplasm of skeletal muscles can negatively affect mitochondria and lead to muscle dysfunction. The aim of our study was to identify the role of L-type calcium channels in the development of increased fatigue rat soleus muscle under functional unloading. Young male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 8 animals each: the vivarium control group (C), the group subjected to hind limb unloading for 7 days (7HS) and the group with 7 days of hindlimb unloading with daily intraperitoneal injections of nifedipine (7 mg/kg body weight). The administration of nifidipine during hindlimb unloading prevented the upregulation of calcium-dependent phosphorylation of calcium-calmodulin kinase II (CaMK II), prevented the increase in fatigue and contributed to the preservation of mitochondrial proteins, DNA and mRNA expression of a number of genes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant System and Salt-Stress Tolerance in Two Hibiscus Cultivars Exposed to NaCl Toxicity.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus L.) is known as a horticultural plant of great ornamental and medicinal value. However, the effect of NaCl stress on hibiscus seedlings is unclear. Little is known about H. syriacus 'Duede Brabaul' (DB) and H. syriacus 'Blueberry Smoothie' (BS). Here, the effects of solutions with different concentrations of NaCl on the organic osmolytes, ion accumulation, and antioxidant enzyme activity of hibiscus seedling leaves were determined. The results showed that the Na+/K+ ratio was imbalanced with increasing NaCl concentration, especially in BS (range 34% to 121%), which was more sensitive than DB (range 32% to 187%) under NaCl concentrations of 50 to 200 mM. To cope with the osmotic stress, the content of organic osmolytes increased significantly. Additionally, NaCl stress caused a large increase in O2·- and H2O2, and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly increased to remove excess ROS. The expression level of genes related to salt tolerance was significantly higher in DB than that in BS under different NaCl concentrations. Taken together, DB possessed a stronger tolerance to salt stress and the results suggest membrane stability, Na+/K+, H2O2, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase as salt tolerance biomarkers that can be used for gene transformation and breeding in future hibiscus research.

Study of the Extraction Process of the Main Components of the Productive Solution (Copper, Iron and Silica) of the Almaly Deposit

The purpose of the research was to study the extraction of the main components of the productive solution of the Almaly deposit with oxyoxime extractants. As the practice of existing plants shows, one of the main drawbacks of the process when implementing the liquid extraction process at various fields is the formation and accumulation of a large volume of the third phase (crud), which leads to a slowdown, in some cases to a stop in the solvent extraction process, thereby reducing the efficiency of the entire production copper by SX-EW technology. One of the main factors leading to the formation of such a phase are harmful metal impurities, solid suspensions in the solution supplied for extraction, improper selection of extractants and the operation mode of the extraction cycle. To prevent such a process, it is important to study the extraction of the main components of productive solutions with different extractants. Studies on the extraction of metals from the productive solution of the Almaly deposit of composition, g/dm3 : Cu 0.235-0.262, Fe 17.97-21.55, SiO2 0.34-0.36 were carried out using reagents Acorga 5640 (10%), Acorga 5640 (5%) with CR60 additive and Lix 984N (10%). It was found that when using the first two, they led to the accumulation of iron and silica ions in the organic phase, and at Lix 984N (10%), the maximum transition of silica ions into the electrolyte, and iron into the raffinate. The accumulation of iron and silica ions in the organic phase is undesirable and may be the cause of crud formation.

Ion exclusion, osmoregulation and management of oxidative stress improve salt tolerance in rice at seedling stage

Excess ion accumulation disturbs ionic homeostasis, creates an osmotic imbalance, and generates oxidative stress in plants under salinity stress. In the present experiment, the effect of salt stress at the seedling stage on the osmotic equilibrium and ROS scavenging potential was evaluated in ten differentially salt-sensitive rice genotypes. For this, the plants were grown hydroponically and salt stress equivalent to 12 dS m-1 was imposed at 3-4 leaf stages. The results showed that a few genotypes like FL478, AC41585, and AC39416A were able to maintain a lower Na+/K+ ratio in the leaf and thus proved more tolerant to salt stress than others. Additionally, these genotypes produced greater organic osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine, trehalose) and also had higher activities of key antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase). On the contrary, Rashpanjor and CSR27 showed lesser ionic discrimination (higher leaf Na+/K+ ratio) but a moderate degree of salt tolerance, perhaps using Na+ effectively as an inorganic osmoticum to overcome stress. The susceptible genotypes like IR29 and Sabita were found extremely poor in restricting the upward movement of Na+, as well as the management of oxidative stress under saline conditions. From this study, we conclude that an efficient reactive oxygen species scavenging system along with greater osmotolerance helps to render salt tolerance at the seedling stage in rice.

High-entropy alloy nanopatterns by prescribed metallization of DNA origami templates

High-entropy multimetallic nanopatterns with controlled morphology, composition and uniformity hold great potential for developing nanoelectronics, nanophotonics and catalysis. Nevertheless, the lack of general methods for patterning multiple metals poses a limit. Here, we develop a DNA origami-based metallization reaction system to prescribe multimetallic nanopatterns with peroxidase-like activities. We find that strong coordination between metal elements and DNA bases enables the accumulation of metal ions on protruding clustered DNA (pcDNA) that are prescribed on DNA origami. As a result of the condensation of pcDNA, these sites can serve as nucleation site for metal plating. We have synthesized multimetallic nanopatterns composed of up to five metal elements (Co, Pd, Pt, Ag and Ni), and obtained insights on elemental uniformity control at the nanoscale. This method provides an alternative pathway to construct a library of multimetallic nanopatterns.

Testing the suitability for coastal green areas of three ornamental shrub species through physiological responses to the saline nebulization

Besides abiotic constraints, plants along the coastal urban areas must face additional cues such as saline aerosol, which impact net plant CO2 assimilation (Pn), reducing biomass and influencing their aesthetic features. In this study, three species (Photinia × fraseri, P; Escallonia rubra, E; and Feijoa sellowiana, F) were subjected to saline nebulization (SN) with a 100 mM NaCl solution. Analyses were performed at 0, 10, and 20 days by monitoring the ion accumulation in plant organs, leaf osmotic potentials, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll contents. Overall, E-SN plants absorbed more Na+ and Cl− in leaves than P-SN and F-SN ones. This phenomenon was influenced by leaf ‘wettability’ features such as the contact angle of water droplets, droplet retention, and water storage capacity, and the effectiveness of translocating these ions on twig tissues. SN increased the leaf osmotic potential (regardless of species). At 10 days (i.e., moderate stress conditions), Pn declined in all SN species, but more severely (−82 %) in E-SN plants. The observed Pn reductions were due to different limiting factors according to the plant species: Pn was reduced by non-stomatal limitations in P-SN plants, stomatal closure in F-SN, and a combination of both in E-SN individuals. At 20 days (i.e., severe stress conditions), in all SN-plants, lower values in all the physiological parameters than controls were observed, indicating a low tolerance to prolonged SN. The work shows that non-destructive physiological measurements provide a reliable assessment of plant tolerance to SN, which can help growers to select ornamental species suitable for coastal green areas.

Targeted suppression of hysteresis effect in perovskite solar cells through the inhibition of cation migration

The hysteresis effect is a vital issue in perovskite solar cells that warrants close scrutiny, of which ion migration and the resultant interfacial ion accumulation are widely considered to be the most important origination. However, owing to the lack of specific characterization tools to disentangle the complicated interaction between ions and charge carriers, it is yet unidentified which ionic species govern the hysteresis effect, bringing difficulties in further device optimization. Herein, adopting a home-built circuit-switched transient photoelectric technique, whereby ion migration dynamics can be studied without interference from photogenerated charge carriers, the role of different ions in the photoelectric conversion process is elucidated. As suggested by the experimental results, the hysteresis effect dominantly arises from the migration of organic cations instead of the halide anions and can be well interpreted in terms of the strongly coupled cation–electron pairs. On the basis of these findings, we showcase the effectiveness of suppressing the hysteresis factor by the inhibition of the methylamine cations' migration. The present work can provide targeted and sufficient guidance for the preparation of high-stability and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.

Exploring the Research Challenges and Perspectives in Ecophysiology of Plants Affected by Salinity Stress

Soil salinization processes have increased over the years and affect large parts of agricultural fields. The purpose of this review was to highlight the most important aspects regarding the potential effects of soil salinity on plants. In the current context of climate change, extreme weather and increased drought periods can lead to plant metabolic dysfunctionalities and accumulation of salt ions because of the increasing need for irrigation. The most important limiting factor, salinity, has a highly negative impact on plant growth independent of the appearance of either natural or anthropic status. The negative aspects include decreased leaf development rate, a low water level in all parts of the plant, reduced cell division and elongation, and low-intensity photosynthetic rate. Other negative aspects are directly related to stomata closure, reduced transpiration, low CO2 level, and limitations on seed germination. However, there are also some positive aspects to the presence of salinity in soil. The field offers unlimited possibilities of research in order to activate pathways that help plants become resistant to salt stress. Several physiological parameters can benefit from low salt concentration (halopriming), such as germination, vigor, rapid seedling growth, and increased stomata number. Further studies should focus on both the positive and negative aspects of the increase in soil salinity.

Metal nanopartiküllerin mikroalgler aracılığı ile yeşil sentezi

Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles through biological resources has attracted attention in recent years. The main reason for that, a lot of toxic chemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents are used in physical and chemical methods which are known as conventional methods. Organisms such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae are alternative sources for green nanoparticle synthesis because of their more eco-friendly nature and not be a threat to human health. Microalgae as aquatic microorganisms have been added into the formulations of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical for many years, due to their high value-added metabolites such as proteins, vitamins, pigments, fatty acids, intracellular and extracellular polysaccharides. In addition, microalgae have a high potential in biogenic nanoparticle synthesis because of their metal ions accumulation capability, phytoremediation potential, and rich in intracellular and extracellular metabolites that will reduce metal ions to elemental state. In recent years, the number of studies, focused on silver, gold, titanium, zinc, iron, etc. nanoparticle synthesis from many microalgae species by intracellular and extracellular pathways has increased. This review article aims to provide a brief outline of microalgae and cyanobacteria species studied in the context of nanoparticle synthesis, different approaches for nanoparticle synthesis from microalgae, the mechanism of nanoparticle synthesis, and basic characterization principles and antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles produced by green synthesis.

Disrupting Intracellular Iron Homeostasis by Engineered Metal‐Organic Framework for Nanocatalytic Tumor Therapy in Synergy with Autophagy Amplification‐Promoted Ferroptosis

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring good biocompatibility and tunable microstructures are developed to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for nanocatalytic therapy. However, the relatively low catalytic activity of MOF and intracellular ion homeostasis, a self‐protective mechanism to resist the intracellular accumulation of metal ions, results in the undesirable efficacy of tumor therapy. Herein, a therapeutic strategy is introduced of breaking intracellular iron homeostasis for nanocatalytic therapy in synergy with autophagy amplification‐promoted ferroptosis, based on etched MOF nanocatalyst (denoted COS@MOF), which is self‐etched by thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and further modified with autophagy agonist chitosan oligosaccharides (COS). Such self‐etched MOF exhibit an open cavity structure that is more conducive to adsorbing reactive molecules and producing more active sites, and an enhanced Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio, reinforcing catalytic activity for ROS generation. The catalytic process of COS@MOF can be accelerated by overexpressed endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) within colorectal tumors which reduces Fe3+ into more active Fe2+. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that COS@MOF amplifies autophagy to break iron homeostasis for facilitating ROS production to promote ferroptosis, achieving synergetic nanocatalytic/ferroptosis tumor therapy. This study provides a promising paradigm to elevate MOF‐based catalytic performance in synergy with autophagy amplification‐promoted ferroptosis for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Responses of two strawberry cultivars to NaCl-induced salt stress under the influence of ZnO nanoparticles

Salinity stress is one of the most serious impacts of climate changes on agriculture production, especially in salt sensitive crop plants, like strawberry. Currently, the utilization of nanomolecules in agriculture is thought to be a useful strategy to compact abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the in vitro growth, ions uptake, biochemical and anatomical responses of two strawberry cvs (Camarosa and Sweet Charlie) under NaCl-induced salt stress. A 2x3x3 factorial experiment was conducted, with three levels of ZnO-NPs (0, 15 and 30 mg 1-l) and three levels of NaCl-induced salt stress (0, 35 and 70 mM). The results showed that increased levels of NaCl in the medium had led to decrease in shoot fresh weight and proliferative potential. The cv Camarosa was found to be relatively more tolerant to salt stress. Additionally, salt stress leads to an accumulation of toxic ions (Na + and Cl-), as well as a decrease in K + uptake. However, application of ZnO-NPs at a concentration of 15 mg 1-l was found to alleviate these effects by increasing or stabilizing growth traits, decreasing the accumulation of toxic ions and the Na+/K + ratio, and increasing K + uptake. Additionally, this treatment led to elevated levels of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and proline content. The positive impacts of ZnO-NPs application were reflected on the leaf anatomical features, being better adapted to salt stress. The study highlighted the efficiency of utilizing tissue culture technique in screening of strawberry cultivars for salinity tolerance under the influence of NPs.

Migration of Salt Ions in Frozen Hydrate-Saturated Sand: Effect of Silt and Clay Particles

Permafrost composed of sand with silt and clay components may store stable and metastable gas hydrates, which can lose stability under a flux of dissolved salts from natural or production-related solutions (seawater, brines from cryopegs, drilling fluids, etc.). The flux of salt ions is controlled externally by temperature and pressure as well as by the salinity of solutions and the properties of fine-grained (<0.05 mm) components in permafrost. The effect of silt and clay percentage and mineralogy (kaolinite or montmorillonite) on the patterns of salt and water transport and the related dissociation of pore gas hydrates in frozen sand is studied in laboratory experiments. The experiments are conducted in conditions that can maintain the self-preservation of gas hydrates: a constant negative temperature of −6 °C and a pressure of 0.1 MPa. Sediments with higher clay percentages show slower migration and accumulation of salt ions and the higher critical salt concentration required for the onset of gas hydrate dissociation. The flux of Na+ to sand samples containing montmorillonite is lower than to those with kaolinite. On the other hand, salt migration and hydrate dissociation are faster in sand with higher silt contents. The experimental results form the basis for a generalized model of main mechanisms that drive salt transport in frozen hydrate-bearing sediments interacting with saline solutions.

An integrated study on the ionic migration across the nano lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) and lithium iron phosphate-carbon (LFP-C) interface in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries

A major challenge for the development of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASS-LIBs) relay on the development of an ideal electrolyte material and solving the interfacial issues at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Nano-crystalline lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) and lithium iron phosphate-carbon (LFP/C) has been prepared as electrolyte and cathode material for a solid-state lithium ion cell (LIBs). Prepared lithium lanthanum titanate, lithium iron phosphate-carbon and the composite powders were subjected to structural, optical, morphological and electrochemical characterizations. The high ionic conductivity of lithium lanthanum titanate (1.06 × 10−4), carbon coated lithium iron phosphate (5.01 × 10−5) and their interface (6.00 × 10−5) designate the pertinence of their full cell configurations. The full cell assembly has been characterized electrochemically to evaluate the performance of the interface. The assembled ASSBs show cyclability up to 55 initial cycles, with the nano-LLTO/LFP-C interface. The line scan analysis has been performed to identify the cation movement and accumulation of ions towards and across the cathode-electrolyte interface after cycling. The present study provides new direction and methodology for the detailed interface analysis across the nano-electrode- nano-solid electrolyte layer in all solid-state assemblies.

Silicon mitigates the negative impacts of salt stress in soybean plants.

Soybean is widely cultivated around the world, including regions with salinity conditions. Salt stress impairs plant physiology and growth, but recent evidence suggests that silicon (Si) is able to mitigate this stressful condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how different strategies of Si application impact on salt stress tolerance of an intermediate Si accumulator species (soybean). Therefore, we applied four treatments: Si-untreated plants (Si 0); foliar spraying at 20 mmol L-1 (Si F); nutritive solution addition at 2.0 mol L-1 (Si R), and combined foliar spraying at 20 mmol L-1 plus nutritive solution at 2.0 mmol L-1 (Si F + R). We investigated how Si application modified growth, leaf gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content (RWC), nutrient accumulation, and ion homeostasis of soybean plants submitted to different levels of salt stress (50 and 100 mmol L-1 NaCl). Salinity induced an expressive reduction in ion accumulation, plant water status, and growth of soybean, while Si application promoted contrary effects and increased potassium (K+ ) accumulation, water status, photosynthetic pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and gas exchange attributes. Additionally, Si application enhanced Si accumulation associated with decreased Na+ uptake and improved morpho-physiological growth. The use of exogenous Si can be an efficient strategy to attenuate the harmful effects of salt stress in soybean plants. The best application strategy was observed with combined foliar spraying with Si included in the nutritive solution (Si F + R). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The influence of transition metal ions on the oxidation of kraft pulp using hydrogen peroxide under mildly acidic conditions

Abstract Oxidation of kraft pulp using hydrogen peroxide under mild acidic conditions can be applied in order to obtain new functionality of the fibres, in the form of carbonyl groups. The hydrogen peroxide concentration must, however, be higher than consumed by the oxidation reactions meaning that the liquid must be recirculated to fully utilize the hydrogen peroxide. This paper investigates the consequences of recirculation of the oxidation liquor. It was found that recirculation results in an accumulation of ions of transition metals (copper, iron and manganese) in the oxidation liquor. The transition metal ions are known for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, producing radicals which may react with carbohydrates, forming carbonyl groups as well as causing carbohydrate degradation. This was confirmed through the recirculation of oxidation liquor as well as through controlled addition of transition metals. At high transition metal ion concentration the reactions were fast and a severe degradation of carbohydrates was observed, accompanied by a rapid hydrogen peroxide consumption. The consequence of this, in an industrial context, is that the concentration of metal ions must be carefully controlled in order to add functionality to the cellulose without causing excessive degradation of carbohydrates or consumption of hydrogen peroxide.

Ion Migration and Accumulation in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells†

Comprehensive SummaryThe halide perovskite semiconductors‐based solar cells (PVSCs) show great promise as next‐generation renewable energy sources, with the merits of low cost, high performance, good flexibility, etc. A major difference distinguishing the perovskite semiconductors from others lies in their ionic feature. This intrinsic property induces “freely‐moving” ions to migrate and accumulate in the perovskite films and devices under different external stresses. As a charge carrier, these processes will strongly couple with the electronic process, and dramatically affect the performance and stability of PVSCs. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progresses and fundamental understandings of ion migration and accumulation behaviors in PVSCs. First, the basic principles of the general ion migration are reviewed. Second, following the fundamental understandings, the critical factors, e.g., ion migration activation energy, ion density, ion diffusion coefficient, etc., are extracted to understand the ion migration and accumulation in perovskite film. Third, the principles governing ion accumulation behaviors under different external stresses are discussed. Finally, the effect of ion migration and accumulation on band bending, and device performance is presented. Therefore, we hope this review provides a tutorial and insightful perspective regarding the most prominent ionic feature of perovskite semiconductors and their application for photovoltaics.

Adaptation of Proteome and Metabolism in Different Haplotypes of Rhodosporidium toruloides during Cu(I) and Cu(II) Stress

Rhodosporidium toruloides is a carotenogenic, oleogenic yeast that is able to grow in diverse environments. In this study, the proteomic and metabolic responses to copper stress in the two haplotypes IFO0559 and IFO0880 were assessed. 0.5 mM Cu(I) extended the lag phase of both strains significantly, while only a small effect was observed for Cu(II) treatment. Other carotenogenic yeasts such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa are known to accumulate high amounts of carotenoids as a response to oxidative stress, posed by excess copper ion activity. However, no significant increase in carotenoid accumulation for both haplotypes of R. toruloides after 144 h of 0.5 mM Cu(I) or Cu(II) stress was observed. Yet, an increase in lipid production was detected, when exposed to Cu(II), additionally, proteins related to fatty acid biosynthesis were detected in increased amounts under stress conditions. Proteomic analysis revealed that besides the activation of the enzymatic oxidative stress response, excess copper affected iron-sulfur and zinc-containing proteins and caused proteomic adaptation indicative of copper ion accumulation in the vacuole, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus.

Expression Profile of Selected Genes Involved in Na+ Homeostasis and In Silico miRNA Identification in Medicago sativa and Medicago arborea under Salinity Stress

The accumulation of ions due to increased salinity in the soil is one of the major abiotic stressors of cultivated plants that negatively affect their productivity. The model plant, Medicago truncatula, is the only Medicago species that has been extensively studied, whereas research into increased salinity adaptation of two important forage legumes, M. sativa and M. arborea, has been limited. In the present study, the expression of six genes, namely SOS1, SOS3, NHX2, AKT, AVP and HKT1 was monitored to investigate the manner in which sodium ions are blocked and transferred to the various plant parts. In addition, in silico miRNA analysis was performed to identify miRNAs that possibly control the expression of the genes studied. The following treatments were applied: (1) salt stress, with initial treatment of 50 mM NaCl and gradual acclimatization every 10 days, (2) salt shock, with continuous application of 100 mM NaCl concentration and (3) no application of NaCl. Results showed that M. arborea appeared to overexpress and activate all available mechanisms of resistance in conditions of increased salinity, while M. sativa acted in a more targeted way, overexpressing the HKT1 and AKT genes that contribute to the accumulation of sodium ions, particularly in the root. Regarding miRNA in silico analysis, five miRNAs with significant complementarity to putative target genes, AKT1, AVP and SOS3 were identified and served as a first step in investigating miRNA regulatory networks. Further miRNA expression studies will validate these results. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying salt-responsiveness in Medicago and could be used in the future for generating salt-tolerant genotypes in crop improvement programs.

Spatial ionomics provides new insights into the accumulation and transport of mineral ions in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Cadmium stress

The distribution of various elements in different organs is spatially specific, and the distribution of elements in different organs of rice under Cadmium (Cd) stress and nutrient deficiency conditions is unknown, these limit the creation of ideal crops. In this study, spatially-specific ionomics study was applied to the spatial distribution of ions in different organs of 14 different varieties of hybrid rice seedlings under Cd stress. Under Cd stress, magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were found to accumulate mainly in the nodes, while Ca accumulated mainly in the mature leaves, and K mainly in the leaf sheaths and new leaves. Under Cd stress, the contents of Mg and Mn in all organs and Mg, Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe in nodes decreased, but the accumulation of Fe in roots increased. In all organs, the concentrations of calcium (Ca), Mg, Mn, and Fe were almost positively correlated. Moreover, the ion transfer factors of Mg/Mn, Mg/Cu, and Zn/potassium (K) all showed positive correlations, indicating that these elements had similar chemical properties or biological functions. The accumulation of Cd in different organs of 4 varieties under Cd stress and K/Mn/Ca/Mg deficiency treatments was studied. Under Mg deficiency stress, the Cd concentration increased significantly. Under Ca deficiency stress, Cd transport was reduced. In conclusion, spatial ionomics was used to investigate the transport and accumulation of elements in different organs of O. sativa L., and these results provided theoretical support for the creation and production of ideal crops under Cd stress.