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Asil SM, Narayan M. Molecular interactions between gelatin-derived carbon quantum dots and Apo-myoglobin: Implications for carbon nanomaterial frameworks. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130416. [PMID: 38428776 PMCID: PMC11290343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including carbon quantum dots (CQDs), have found widespread use in biomedical research due to their low toxicity, chemical tunability, and tailored applications. Yet, there exists a gap in our understanding of the molecular interactions between biomacromolecules and these novel carbon-centered platforms. Using gelatin-derived CQDs as a model CNM, we have examined the impact of this exemplar nanomaterial on apo-myoglobin (apo-Mb), an oxygen-storage protein. Intrinsic fluorescence measurements revealed that the CQDs induced conformational changes in the tertiary structure of native, partially unfolded, and unfolded states of apo-Mb. Titration with CQDs also resulted in significant changes in the secondary structural elements in both native (holo) and apo-Mb, as evidenced by the circular dichroism (CD) analyses. These changes suggested a transition from isolated helices to coiled-coils during the loss of the helical structure of the apo-protein. Infra-red spectroscopic data further underscored the interactions between the CQDs and the amide backbone of apo-myoglobin. Importantly, the CQDs-driven structural perturbations resulted in compromised heme binding to apo-myoglobin and, therefore, potentially can attenuate oxygen storage and diffusion. However, a cytotoxicity assay demonstrated the continued viability of neuroblastoma cells exposed to these carbon nanomaterials. These results, for the first time, provide a molecular roadmap of the interplay between carbon-based nanomaterial frameworks and biomacromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Masoudi Asil
- The Environmental Science & Engineering Program, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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Jiang H, Wang H, Qian C, Yang Z, Yang D, Cui J. A New Type of Quantum Fertilizer (Silicon Quantum Dots) Promotes the Growth and Enhances the Antioxidant Defense System in Rice Seedlings by Reprogramming the Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:2526-2535. [PMID: 38277640 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
To promote the growth and yield of crops, it is necessary to develop an effective silicon fertilizer. Herein, a new type of 2 nm silicon quantum dot (SiQD) was developed, and the phenotypic, biochemical, and metabolic responses of rice seedlings treated with SiQDs were investigated. The results indicated that the foliar application of SiQDs could significantly improve the growth of rice seedlings by increasing the uptake of nutrient elements and activating the antioxidative defense system. Furthermore, metabolomics revealed that the supply of SiQDs could significantly up-regulate several antioxidative metabolites (oxalic acid, maleic acid, glycine, lysine, and proline) by reprogramming the nitrogen- and carbon-related biological pathways. The findings provide a new strategy for developing an effective and promising quantum fertilizer in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jiang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Haodong Wang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Cancan Qian
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Zhenlong Yang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Control and Resources Recycle, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
| | - Desong Yang
- College of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Jianghu Cui
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Guirguis A, Yang W, Conlan XA, Kong L, Cahill DM, Wang Y. Boosting Plant Photosynthesis with Carbon Dots: A Critical Review of Performance and Prospects. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300671. [PMID: 37381636 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Artificially augmented photosynthesis in nano-bionic plants requires tunable nano-antenna structures with physiochemical and optoelectronic properties, as well as unique light conversion capabilities. The use of nanomaterials to promote light capture across photosystems, primarily by carbon dots, has shown promising results in enhancing photosynthesis through tunable uptake, translocation, and biocompatibility. Carbon dots possess the ability to perform both down and up-light conversions, making them effective light promoters for harnessing solar energy beyond visible light wavelengths.This review presents and discusses the recent progress in fabrication, chemistry, and morphology, as well as other properties such as photoluminescence and energy conversion efficiency of nano-antennas based on carbon dots. The performance of artificially boosted photosynthesis is discussed and then correlated with the conversion properties of carbon dots and how they are applied to plant models. The challenges related to the nanomaterial delivery and the performance evaluation practices in modified photosystems, consideration of the reliability of this approach, and the potential avenues for performance improvements through other types of nano-antennas based on alternative nanomaterials are also critically evaluated. It is anticipated that this review will stimulate more high-quality research in plant nano-bionics and provide avenues to enhance photosynthesis for future agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Guirguis
- School of Life & Environment Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Wenrong Yang
- School of Life & Environment Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Xavier A Conlan
- School of Life & Environment Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - David M Cahill
- School of Life & Environment Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Yichao Wang
- School of Life & Environment Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
- School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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Chen Z, Guo Z, Xu N, Cao X, Niu J. Graphene nanoparticles improve alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth through multiple metabolic pathways under salinity-stressed environment. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 289:154092. [PMID: 37716315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Graphene, one of the emerging carbon nanomaterials, has many advantages and applications. Salinity stress seriously affects ecology and agroforestry worldwide. The effects of graphene on alfalfa under salinity stress were investigated. The results indicated that graphene promoted alfalfa growth under non-salinity stress but caused some degree of damage to root cells and leaf parameters. Graphene used in salinity stress had a positive effect on growth parameters, chlorophyll, photosynthetic gas parameters, stomatal opening, ion balance, osmotic homeostasis, cell membrane integrity and antioxidant system, while it decreased Na+, lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels. Correlation analysis revealed that most of the parameters were significantly correlated; and principal component analysis indicated that the first two dimensions (78.1% and 4.1%) explained 82.2% of the total variability, and the majority of them exceeded the average contribution. Additionally, Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that there were numerous differentially expressed genes and pathways to regulate alfalfa responding to salinity stress. Taken together, the findings reveal that graphene does not enter the plant, but improves the properties and adsorption of soil to enhance salt tolerance and seedling growth of alfalfa through morphological, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic aspects. Furthermore, this study provides a reference for the application of graphene to improve soil environment and agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zhipeng Guo
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Nan Xu
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xinlong Cao
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Junpeng Niu
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
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Huang D, Shi Z, Shan X, Yang S, Zhang Y, Guo X. Insights into growth-affecting effect of nanomaterials: Using metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal the molecular mechanisms of cucumber leaves upon exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161247. [PMID: 36603646 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs, <100nm), an artificial pollutant that is widespread in the environment, can be assimilated by plants to alter plant gene expression and its metabolic pathway; thus, interfering with physiological homeostasis and growth of plants. Recently, the biosafety and potential environmental risks of PSNPs have attracted enormous attention. However, the knowledge regarding the uptake and phytotoxicity of atmosphere PSNPs subsiding to plant leaves is still limited. Here, we separately applied 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L PSNPs on cucumber leaves to simulate the plant response to the atmosphere PSNPs. We found that the PSNPs can be accumulated on the surface of cucumber leaves and are also able to be uptake by cucumber leaf stomata. The repertoires of metabolomics and transcriptomics from cucumber leaves upon PSNPs treatment demonstrated that the deposition of PSNPs on leaves alters the biosynthesis of various metabolites and the expression of a variety of genes. The leaves exposure to low concentration (50 mg/L) of PSNPs impact the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the biosynthesis of metabolites related to membrane stability maintenance, thereby, probably enhancing plant tolerance to the stress caused by PSNPs. Whereas, exposure to high concentration (100 mg/L) of PSNPs, both nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism in cucumber leaves are affected, as well as that the photosynthetic capacity was decreased, leading to the threat to plant health. Combined omics technologies, our findings advance our understanding about how the PSNPs released to ecological environment influence the terrestrial plant growth and provide phytotoxic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daofen Huang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zihan Shi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaoling Shan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shipeng Yang
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Vegetable Genetics and Physiology, Agriculture and Forestry Sciences Institute of Qinghai University Xining, China
| | - Yuzhou Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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