Application Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease activities of green-synthesized Zn, Se, and ZnSe nanoparticles against Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis.

This study assesses the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiurease properties of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticles (NPs) against clinically pathogenic strains of Streptococcus salivarius and Proteus mirabilis. The Se, Zn, and ZnSe NPs, synthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1, were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealing average sizes of approximately 30 ± 10nm, 30 ± 15nm, and 40 ± 10 nm, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the morphological and topological characteristics of the NPs. The structural and crystal characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Among the evaluated NPs, Zn NPs at a concentration of 200mg/mL exhibited the most substantial growth inhibition zone against S. salivarius. Conversely, the highest antibiofilm activity was observed against P. mirabilis, notably with 200µg/mL Zn NPs. In the context of antiurease activity, both 100μg Zn and ZnSe NPs caused complete urease inhibition (100%) in P. mirabilis within the initial 5h, with notable inhibition rates of 94% and 80%, respectively, observed against S. salivarius. Significantly, in the current landscape of NP research primarily focused on antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, our study stands out due to its pioneering exploration of antiurease activities with these NPs. This distinctive emphasis on antiurease effects contributes original and unique value to our study, offering novel insights into the broader spectrum of NP applications, and paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements.

Nanoparticles: a promising tool against environmental stress in plants

With a focus on plant tolerance to environmental challenges, nanotechnology has emerged as a potent instrument for assisting crops and boosting agricultural production in the face of a growing worldwide population. Nanoparticles (NPs) and plant systems may interact molecularly to change stress response, growth, and development. NPs may feed nutrients to plants, prevent plant diseases and pathogens, and detect and monitor trace components in soil by absorbing their signals. More excellent knowledge of the processes of NPs that help plants survive various stressors would aid in creating more long-term strategies to combat these challenges. Despite the many studies on NPs’ use in agriculture, we reviewed the various types of NPs and their anticipated molecular and metabolic effects upon entering plant cells. In addition, we discussed different applications of NPs against all environmental stresses. Lastly, we introduced agricultural NPs’ risks, difficulties, and prospects.

Forging the future of nanotechnology: embracing greener practices for a resilient today and a sustainable tomorrow

Various chemical and physical methods have been proposed for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). However, these methods have disadvantages, such as high energy loss and high capital requirements. To overcome these problems, alternative methods for NP synthesis, such as biological or green synthesis, are favoured to overcome these problems. Green synthesis of NPs is environmentally friendly, economical and non-toxic. This review examines the history of green synthesis, focusing on using environmentally friendly methods. The integration of machine learning into NP production and a range of NP applications in healthcare, disease treatment and the environment are also covered.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Advances in Synthesis, Sensing, and Theragnostic Applications

The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via the chemical, biological, and physical routes has been reported on along with advantages and attendant limitations. This study focuses on the sensing and emerging theragnostic applications of this category of nanoparticles (NPs) in clinical sciences by unveiling the unique performance of these NPs in the biological sensing of bacteria and nucleotide sequencing. Also, in terms of medicine and clinical science, this review analyzes the emerging theragnostic applications of NPs in drug delivery, bone tissue engineering, deep brain stimulation, therapeutic hyperthermia, tumor detection, magnetic imaging and cell tracking, lymph node visualization, blood purification, and COVID-19 detection. This review presents succinct surface functionalization and unique surface coating techniques to confer less toxicity and biocompatibility during synthesis, which are often identified as limitations in medical applications. This study also indicates that these surface improvement techniques are useful for refining the selective activity of MNPs during their use as sensors and biomarkers. In addition, this study unveils attendant limitations, especially toxicological impacts on biomolecules, and suggests that future research should pay attention to the mitigation of the biotoxicity of MNPs. Thus, this study presents a proficient approach for the synthesis of high-performance MNPs fit for proficient medicine in the detection of microorganisms, better diagnosis, and treatment in medicine.

INFLUENCE OF EXOGENOUS IRON AND ZINC NANOPARTICLES ON SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM L.) BUD NODE GERMINATION AND GROWTH

Nanoparticles (NPs) are characterized by their unique shape, size, reactivity, and surface area, offering significant benefits to agriculture as nano-fertilizers, nano-insecticides, and nano-herbicides. This experiment investigated the potential of Iron and Zinc nanoparticles to promote the sprouting and growth of sugarcane budnodes. Conducted in March 2022 at the University of Sargodha's College of Agriculture, Pakistan, the study employed a completely randomized design with three replications. Sugarcane budnodes were treated with control, Iron NPs, and Zinc NPs at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L⁻¹. Results indicated that the tallest shoots emerged at 100 mg L⁻¹ of Iron NPs and 50 mg L⁻¹ of Zinc NPs. Maximum plant height was observed first at 50 mg L⁻¹ of Iron NPs, then at 100 mg L⁻¹, and at 50 mg L⁻¹ of Zinc NPs. High Zinc concentrations (75 and 100 mg L⁻¹) in NPs were associated with minimum shoot length and plant height. Enhanced root fresh weight was noted with 75 mg L⁻¹ Iron NPs and 25 mg L⁻¹ Zinc NPs. Nanoparticle addition resulted in a heavier root system. Fresh and dry shoot weights were highest with 100 mg L⁻¹ of Iron NPs. However, increasing Zinc NP content to 100 mg L⁻¹ decreased both wet and dry weights of sugarcane buds and root length. The highest root-to-shoot ratio was achieved with 50 mg L⁻¹ Zinc NPs and the standard protocol. In conclusion, exogenous application of Zinc and Iron NPs at 50 to 100 mg L⁻¹ enhanced sugarcane budnode germination, growth, and development.

Chitosan and Its Nanoparticles: A Multifaceted Approach to Antibacterial Applications.

Chitosan, a multifaceted amino polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin, has extensive antibacterial efficacy against diverse pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, in addition to fungi. Over the course of the last several decades, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which are polymeric and bio-based, have garnered a great deal of interest as efficient antibacterial agents. This is mostly due to the fact that they are used in a wide variety of applications, including medical treatments, food, chemicals, and agricultural products. Within the context of the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan and chitosan NPs, we present a review that provides an overview of the synthesis methods, including novel procedures, and compiles the applications that have been developed in the field of biomedicine. These applications include wound healing, drug delivery, dental treatment, water purification, agriculture, and food preservation. In addition to this, we focus on the mechanisms of action and the factors that determine the antibacterial activity of chitosan and its derivatives. In conjunction with this line of inquiry, researchers are strongly urged to concentrate their efforts on developing novel and ground-breaking applications of chitosan NPs.

Enhancing the Rheological and Filtration Performance of Water-Based Drilling Fluids Using Silane-Coated Aluminum Oxide NPs.

For optimizing the drilling efficiency, nanoparticles (NPs) specifically nanometal oxides have been used in water-based drilling fluids (WBDF). Nano metal oxides improve the rheological and filtration characteristics of the WBDF. However, dispersion instability among pristine nano metals shrinks the performance of the nanometal oxides due to high surface energy. Therefore, this study aims to utilize silane-coated aluminum oxide NPs (S-Al2O3) as an alternative to widely used pristine aluminum oxide (P-Al2O3) in water-based drilling fluids. The S-Al2O3 NPs were synthesized using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES). FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses were carried out to examine the crystalline structure and surface morphology of NPs. Moreover, the rheological and filtration properties of nanowater-based drilling fluids were investigated at low-pressure and low-temperature (LPLT) conditions. The results of experiments revealed that S-Al2O3 NPs significantly upgraded the rheological properties compared to P-Al2O3 NPs. The S-Al2O3 NPs reduced plastic viscosity from 12.6 to 9.6 cP, apparent viscosity from 34.5 to 26.5 cP, and yield point from 46.5 to 39.5 lb/100 ft2. The gel strengths (10 s and 10 min) were reduced from 44.5 to 32 lb/100 ft2 and from 77 to 59 lb/100 ft2, respectively. Furthermore, S-Al2O3 NPs enhanced the filtration performance, achieving a 26% reduction in filtrate loss and forming a thinner, more impermeable mud cake than P-Al2O3 NPs. In conclusion, the application of S-Al2O3 NPs in water-based drilling fluid was found to be effective in improving the rheological properties and controlling the filtrate loss effectively under LPLT conditions. The utilization of silane-coated NPs used in this study will open new and novel doors of research in the fields of both drilling engineering and nanotechnology.

Deposition of plasmonic ITO nanoparticles by near-infrared laser ablation

Compound nanoparticles (NPs) attract attention because of their unique electrical, optical, and catalytic properties. Among them, plasmonic tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) NPs are characterized by transparency in the visible wavelength range and tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the near-infrared (NIR) range due to high electronic conductivity. To date, they have been usually synthesized by a chemical solution process. However, the chemically synthesized ITO NPs are capped with organic protecting agents, which often block exchange of charge carriers and access of chemical species to the NPs, limiting some applications. In the present study, we propose a method for direct deposition of ITO NPs on a glass or plastic substrate using commercially available ITO-coated glass via NIR laser ablation. The LSPR characteristics of the ITO NPs, thus, prepared were controlled by changing the ablation conditions such as laser power. In addition, the potential applications of the ITO NPs were also investigated through measurements of their refractive index sensitivity and magnetic circular dichroism.

Colloidal High Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles: Synthetic Strategies and Electrocatalytic Properties.

High entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much attention recently due to their unprecedented chemical properties. As such, HEA NPs have been used as materials with superior activity toward electrocatalytic applications. Specifically, solid solutions that form randomly mixed single-phased structures have received the most focus in the early stages of HEA NP development for their entropic-driven design and multifunctionality. Advances to non-colloidal and colloidal synthetic methods have allowed for the fabrication of solid solution HEA NPs with varying compositions and complexity to be applied to many practical applications such as fuel cells, energy storage and agriculture. In this review, the current colloidal methods and catalytic mechanisms for solid solution HEA NP synthesis are investigated from the physical chemistry perspective. A comprehensive discussion on the theory, techniques, and electrocatalytic applications of colloidal syntheses for successful solid solution HEA NP formation is presented. Finally, promising perspectives for the continued development of physical insights into structure-property relationships towards improved HEA NP synthesis and application are discussed.

Unveiling nanoparticle-immune interactions: how super-resolution imaging illuminates the invisible.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention in nanomedicine, particularly in harnessing and manipulating immune cells. However, the current understanding of the interactions between NPs and immune cells at the nanoscale remains limited. Advancing this knowledge guides the design principles of NPs. This review offers a historical perspective on the synergistic evolution of immunology and optical microscopy, examines the current landscape of NP applications in immunology, and explores the advancements in super-resolution imaging techniques, which provide new insights into nanoparticle-immune cell interactions. Key findings from recent studies are discussed, along with challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

Interactions Between Potentially Toxic Nanoparticles (Cu, CuO, ZnO, and TiO2) and the Cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis: Biological Adaptations to Xenobiotics.

(1) Background: The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) implies their inevitable contact with living organisms, including aquatic microorganisms, making it essential to understand the effects and consequences of this interaction. Understanding the adaptive responses and biochemical changes in microalgae and cyanobacteria under NP-induced stress is essential for developing biotechnological strategies that optimize biomolecule production while minimizing potential toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between various potentially toxic nanoparticles and the cyanobacterial strain Arthrospira platensis, focusing on the biological adaptations and biochemical mechanisms that enable the organism to withstand xenobiotic exposure. (2) Methods: The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis CNMN-CB-02 was cultivated under optimal laboratory conditions in the presence of CuNPs, CuONPs, ZnONPs, and TiO2NPs. Biochemical analyses were performed on the collected biomass. (3) Results: Various interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and the cyanobacterial culture were identified, ranging from hormetic effects at low concentrations to evident toxic effects at high concentrations. NP toxicity was observed through the reduction in photosynthetic pigments and the disappearance of phycobiliproteins. Notably, NP toxicity was not always accompanied by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. (4) Conclusions: Arthrospira platensis exhibits unique adaptive mechanisms under NP-induced stress, offering the potential for controlled NP applications in biotechnology. Future research should further explore the relationship between nanoparticle types and cyanobacterial responses to optimize biomolecule production.

Applications of Metal Nanoparticles in Healthcare and Food Safety

The increased world population has led to a rise in pollution, raising the risk of food contamination and foodborne illness. It is often said that illness enters by the mouth. Food spoilage has always been a great hazard to human health. Therefore, ensuring the safety of food is essential in the pursuit of good health. The advent of nanotechnology has sparked potential in the food industry. Nanotechnology has also shown its ability to reduce cases of foodborne diseases, thereby improving global food security from the root. With the introduction of nanoparticles (NPs), particularly metal NPs like gold and silver, food processing and delivery methods have been further refined. These NPs have demonstrated effective resistance against pathogens. Their antimicrobial abilities play a vital role in nano materials for food packaging. The main mechanism of metal NPs involves their interaction with bacterial cell walls, which enhances cell wall permeability and achieves cell wall damage. At the same time, toxic radicals are released from the NPs and can be dissolved to be absorbed by bacteria. These results in the leakage of cellular contents, inhibiting cell replication, and ultimately, cell death. The application of metal-based NPs significantly contributes to food safety. Therefore, in this work, the applications of various nanomaterials in food safety and healthcare are discussed in detail. This work will contribute to promoting the deep application of nanomaterials in food safety and healthcare.

Multidimensional role of selenium nanoparticles to promote growth and resilience dynamics of Phaseolus vulgaris against sodium fluoride stress

High fluoride (F) concentrations negatively affect the seed germination, plant growth, development, and yield of crops. Phaseolus vulgaris L. is an F-sensitive crop frequently grown on marginal lands affected by F salts. Selenium (Se) is a vital elicitor of the antioxidative enzymes involved in scavenging free radicals to alleviate abiotic stress. Recent studies have demonstrated that engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to induce tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. Phytosynthesis of NPs is a novel and sustainable approach to mitigate abiotic stresses. The present study was intended to assess the role of green synthesized Se-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in improving the physiochemical attributes, growth, and F stress tolerance of P. vulgaris growing in 200 ppm sodium fluoride (NaF) stress. NaF toxicity reduced Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoid content by 88.8%, 95.5%, and 96% compared to control with maximum improvement obtained through phyto-nano seed priming and foliar spray of 70 ppm Se-NPs. The joint treatment of NPs application through seed priming and foliar spray improved stomatal conductance (14.2%) and transpiration rate (11.7%) in plants subjected to NaF stress. The protein content (91.02%) and DPPH activity (33.72%) decreased under NaF stress, which was improved by phyto-nano seed priming and foliar spray (14.10%). Furthermore, the integrated application of Se-NPs seed priming and foliar spray increased nutritional content (P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn), proline, ascorbic acid, and phenol yet reduced the level of NaF in plants. Se-NPs at 70 ppm were found to be more effective than 60 ppm in all modes of applications. Our results reveal a perception that Se-NPs increase P. vulgaris growth in NaF stress conditions, perhaps through a multipronged approach: improving photosynthetic content, nutrient uptake, and yield of P. vulgaris. Consequently, the findings of this study may be used for breeding and screening F-tolerant cultivars.

The Protein Corona on Nanoparticles for Tumor Targeting in Prostate Cancer-A Review of the Literature and Experimental Trial Protocol.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes the potential of technologies based on the use of nanoparticles (NPs) in revolutionizing clinical approaches to the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Recent research suggests that once NPs come into contact with the biological fluid of cancer patients, they are covered by proteins, forming a "protein corona" composed of hundreds of plasma proteins. The concept of a personalized, disease-specific protein corona, demonstrating substantial differences in NP corona profiles between patients with and without cancer, has been introduced. We developed the design of an experimental prospective single-center study with patients allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio of one of three arms: untreated patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), untreated patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), and metastatic prostate cancer patients starting systemic therapies with new androgen-targeted agents or taxanes. The protocol aims to develop and implement sensitive nanotools with two distinct objectives: First, to design NPs capable of selectively binding and detecting biomarkers in order to build a predictive diagnostic model to effectively discriminate between patient sera affected by BPH and PCa. Secondly, within the population with PCa, in the case of initial advanced metastatic diagnosis, the objective is to find biomarkers capable of predicting the response to systemic treatments to improve the precision and efficiency of monitoring treatment outcomes. For protein and metabolite corona experiments, we developed a cross-reactive sensor array platform with cancer detection capacity made of three liposomal formulations with different surface charges. For proteomic-NP studies, proteins were identified and quantified using nano-high-performance LC (nanoHPLC) coupled with MS/MS (nanoHPLC-MS/MS). Metabolites were instead analyzed using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Compared with previous review articles, the novelty of this review is represented by the analysis of the possible clinical applications of protein corona NPs focused on PCa and the presentation of a new clinical protocol in the metastatic phase of PCa.

Emerging Opportunities and Challenges of Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine encompasses a wide range of utilizations, including medical biological devices, nanoparticles (NPs), nanoelectronic biosensors, and possible future applications of molecular nanotechnologies, such as biological machines. Understanding toxicity and environmental impact problems is a current challenge in nanomedicine. The advancement of NPs in nanomedicine foresees emerging opportunities that may change healthcare by enhancing pharmaceutical effectiveness. This review may reveal novel and improved biomedical significance by delving deeper into advanced growth methodologies and NP applications in nanomedicine. NPs' outstanding physical and chemical characteristics have advanced medical, diagnostic, and screening techniques. The present review offers a current overview of organic and inorganic nanoparticles, highlighting recent advancements, obstacles, and potential applications for nanomedicine. Also, the focus of this review is on a fundamental concept that underlies the creation of novel and successful therapies using NPs in the field of nanomedicine for the human body's lungs, heart, brain, and kidneys. This extensive and insightful information source would be beneficial to the advancement of nanomedicine.

Enhancing Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. (geranium) growth using Zn–Al and Mg–Al LDH nanomaterials: a biochemical approach

The approaches of nanoparticles (NPs) usage have been successfully applied to increase the growth and biological activity of aromatic and medicinal plants. In this context, we studied the effects of zinc–aluminum layered double hydroxide (Zn–Al LDH) and magnesium–Al LDH (Mg–Al LDH) NPs on geranium plants. Both LDH NPs were synthesized using the co-precipitation technique and characterized with SEM, FTIR, XRD, and Zeta potential. Using the spray method, Zn–Al LDH and Mg–Al LDH NPs (10 ppm) were used in a factorial experiment with a fully randomized design. Applying LDH NPs increased Mg and Zn content, which boosted plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and soluble sugar levels. The administration of both LDH NPs results in a constant increase in secondary metabolites such as essential oils (EOs). Monoterpenes such as geraniol (32.7%) and β-citronellol (29.18%) were found to be the main components of the EO. Geranium plants treated with Mg–Al LDH NPs exhibited the highest levels of polyphenols (44.5%), flavonoids (33.5%), and total antioxidant capacity (31.7%). Additionally, LDH NPs had a favorable effect on antioxidant enzyme activity including catalase and peroxidase activities. Overall, Zn–Al LDH and Mg–Al LDH NPs foliar application acted as an elicitor to enhance growth and bioactive metabolite accumulation in geranium plants. Despite these promising results, several challenges remain for the broader application of LDH NPs in agriculture.Graphical abstract

Effect of gelatin nanoparticles’ size and charge on iontophoretic targeted deposition to the hair follicles

Hair follicles (HFs) represent a route of interest to drug delivery for treating several skin conditions. Iontophoresis, on the other hand, is a physical method to enhance drug permeation by applying a low electrical current to the formulation. HFs can be targeted following topical iontophoretic application, as they represent a pathway of lower electrical resistance, as well as a drug reservoir, in particular useful for nanoparticles (NPs), which can preferably accumulate in these structures. Combining both strategies may provide optimal results, but the literature still lacks evidence of the ideal NP characteristics for the iontophoretic drug delivery targeting the HFs. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of gelatin NPs’ size and charge under iontophoresis application on NPs’ deposition into the HFs. Four gelatin NP formulations were produced with varying gelatin concentrations and gelatin types (positively charged type A and negatively charged type B), with sizes ranging from 220 to 770 nm. A fluorescent dye, TRITC-dextran 150 kDa, was encapsulated for monitoring NPs deposition. Cutaneous penetration experiments were performed in vitro with and without iontophoresis for 6 h with pig ear skin. The deposition profile was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Photomicrographs showed a higher accumulation of the larger positively charged NPs (AL), reaching deeper portions of HFs, and showed iontophoresis further increased their deposition, resulting in the highest signal. In conclusion, these findings shed light on the applications of NPs and bring novel treatment opportunities for several diseases compromising the hair follicles.

Collagen-Based Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System in Wound Healing Applications.

Conventional wound dressings often adhere to wounds and can cause secondary injury due to their lack of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In contrast, collagen-based nanoparticles (NPs) as drug delivery systems exhibit both biocompatibility and biodegradability, presenting a promising avenue for accelerating wound healing processes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms involved in wound healing, description of the attributes of ideal wound dressings, understanding of wound healing efficacy of collagen, exploring NPs-mediated drug delivery mechanisms in wound therapy, detailing the synthesis and fabrication techniques of collagen-based NPs, and delineating the applications of various collagen-based NPs infused wound dressings on wound healing. This review synthesizes relevant literature from reputable databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A diverse array of collagen-based NPs, including nanopolymers, metal NPs, nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, and nanofibers, demonstrate pronounced efficacy in promoting wound closure and tissue regeneration. The incorporation of collagen-based NPs has not only become an agent for the delivery of therapeutics but also actively contributes to the wound healing cascade. In conclusion, In brief, the use of collagen-based NPs presents a compelling strategy for expediting wound healing processes.

Inhibition of Food Spoilage Fungi, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus sp., by Nanoparticles Loaded with Baccharis dracunculifolia Essential Oil and Nerolidol.

This study investigates the antifungal potential of encapsulated essential oil (EO) from Baccharis dracunculifolia and nerolidol (NE) within Pluronic® F-127 nanoparticles (NPs). The EO, containing nerolidol, β-caryophyllene, and α-pinene as major bioactive compounds, exhibited superior antifungal activity compared to NE. The NP-EO formulations demonstrated high efficacy against Botrytis cinerea, with inhibition rates ranging from 29.73% to 87.60% and moderate efficacy against Rhizopus sp., with inhibition rates from 11.81% to 32.73%. In comparison, NP-NE showed lower antifungal activity. Both formulations effectively inhibited spore germination, with NP-EO showing greater inhibition compared to NP-NE. The encapsulation efficiency was significantly higher for NP-EO (80.1%) as compared to NP-NE (51.1%), attributed to the complex composition of EO facilitating better encapsulation and retention. Stability studies indicated that both NP formulations were stable at 25 °C for at least 15 days and exhibited changes in particle size and the formation of smaller particle populations at other temperatures (4 °C and 37 °C). Hemolytic activity was low across all NPs, suggesting their safety for food applications. The findings underscore the efficacy and applicability of EO-encapsulated NPs in extending food shelf life and maintaining product quality. The controlled and prolonged release of active compounds, coupled with their antifungal activity and safety, suggests that these NPs represent a promising and innovative approach for food preservation and active packaging development.

Seeds Priming with Bio-Silver Nanoparticles Protects Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings Against Selected Fungal Pathogens.

Nano-priming is a relatively new seed treatment technique using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), and such application of NPs may support the plants' immunity. Recently we have shown that the that biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) used as short-term foliar treatment protect pea seedlings against D. pinodes and F. avenaceum. In the present study, the protection of peas against both fungal pathogens via seed priming with bio-AgNPs was analyzed. Moreover, the changes in the polar metabolic profiles of the seedlings caused by priming and infection were also compared. Seed priming with bio-AgNPs at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L considerably reduced the symptoms and infection levels of both pathogens by over 70% and 90% for F. avenaceum and D. pinodes, respectively. Pathogens infection and nano-priming affected the metabolic profile of pea seedlings. The major changes in the primary metabolism were observed among carbohydrates and amino acids. In turn, this may result in changes in the expression and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Therefore, further investigation of the effect of nano-priming should focus on the changes in the secondary metabolism.