Silver Nanoparticles Effects on In Vitro Germination, Growth, and Biochemical Activity of Tomato, Radish, and Kale Seedlings

Beneficial role of Coronatine on the morphological and physiological responses of Cress Plants (Lepidium sativum) exposed to Silver Nanoparticle

BACKGROUND

Silver nanoparticles are widely used in various fields such as industry, medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. However, the inevitable release of these nanoparticles into the environment poses potential risks to ecosystems and may affect plant productivity. Coronatine is one of the newly identified compounds known for its beneficial influence on enhancing plant resilience against various stress factors. To evaluate the effectiveness of coronatine pretreatment in mitigating the stress induced by silver nanoparticles on cress plants, the present study was carried out.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated a decrease in multiple growth parameters, proline content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in cress plants exposed to silver nanoparticle treatment. This decline could be attributed to the oxidative stress induced by the presence of silver nanoparticles in the plants. Conversely, when coronatine treatment was applied, it effectively mitigated the reduction in growth parameters and pigments induced by the silver nanoparticles. Furthermore, we observed an increase in silver content in both the roots and shoot portions, along with elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), anthocyanins, glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzyme activities in plants exposed to silver nanoparticles. Concurrently, there was a decrease in total phenolic compounds, ascorbate, anthocyanins, and proline content. Pre-treatment of cress seeds with coronatine resulted in increased levels of GSH, total phenolic compounds, and proline content while reducing the silver content in both the root and shoot parts of the plant.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronatine pre-treatment appeared to enhance both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and improving the response to stress induced by silver nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle-mediated enhancement of plant cryopreservation: Cultivar-specific insights into morphogenesis and biochemical responses in Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara 'Gold Heart' and 'Valentine'

The integration of nanoparticles (NPs) holds promising potential to bring substantial advancements to plant cryopreservation, a crucial technique in biodiversity conservation. To date, little attention has been focused on using nanoparticles in cryobiology research. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of NPs in enhancing the efficiency of plant cryopreservation. In-vitro-derived shoot tips of bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara) 'Gold Heart' and 'Valentine' were used as the plant material. The encapsulation-vitrification cryopreservation protocol included preculture, encapsulation, dehydration, storage in liquid nitrogen, rewarming, and recovery steps. Gold (AuNPs), silver (AgNPs), or zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles were added at various concentrations either into the preculture medium or the protective bead matrix during encapsulation. The explant survival and further morphogenic and biochemical events were studied. Results showed that the impact of NPs on cryopreservation outcomes was cultivar-specific. In the 'Valentine' cultivar, incorporating 5 ppm AgNPs within the alginate bead matrix significantly improved cryopreservation efficiency by up to 12%. On the other hand, the 'Gold Heart' cultivar benefited from alginate supplementation with 5 ppm AgNPs and 5-15 ppm ZnONPs, leading to an over 28% increase in the survival rate of shoot tips. Interestingly, adding NPs to the preculture medium was less effective and sometimes counterproductive, despite promoting greater shoot proliferation and elongation in 'Valentine' explants compared to the control. Moreover, nanoparticles often induced oxidative stress (and enhanced the activity of APX, GPOX, and SOD enzymes), which in turn affected the biosynthesis of plant primary and secondary metabolites. It was found that supplementation of preculture medium with higher concentration (15 ppm) of gold, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles stimulated the production of plant pigments, but in a cultivar-dependent matter. Our study confirmed the beneficial action of nanoparticles during cryopreservation of plant tissues.

Silver nanoparticle-induced in vitro flowering in Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) nees and genetic fidelity assessment of regenerants using molecular markers

BACKGROUND

Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees, generally referred to as 'Male bamboo,' is a globally prevalent and highly significant species of bamboo. It is a versatile species and possesses notable industrial significance. However, despite its numerous applications, the production of this plant is insufficient to fulfill the worldwide demand. The challenges that impede the dissemination of D. strictus encompass the unpredictable blooming pattern (30-70 years), low seed production, and limited seed viability. Therefore, tissue culture presents a reliable and effective option for the mass production of standardized planting material.

METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at a concentration of 6.0 mg L- 1 in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium fortified with pre-optimized plant growth regulators (3.0 mg L- 1 6-benzylaminopurine + 0.5 mg L- 1 α-naphthalene acetic acid) on the induction of flowering in a controlled environment in D. strictus. The use of AgNPs in the media induced a maximum of 14 inflorescences per culture vessel, 9 flowers per inflorescence, and improved the performance of the micropropagated plantlets during acclimatization in the greenhouse and field. The ISSR and SCoT amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of the regenerants resulted in the formation of 49 bands (300 to 2000 bp size) and 36 scorable bands (350 to 2000 bp) respectively. All the PCR amplicons produced by SCoT and ISSR were monomorphic confirming the genetic uniformity of the tissue cultured plants of D. strictus with the mother plant.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be inferred that the incorporation of AgNPs during the shoot proliferation phase has the potential to stimulate in vitro flowering in D. strictus. This finding could provide valuable insights into innovative strategies for enhancing crop productivity and genetic manipulation for accelerated breeding and agricultural advancement.

The biochemical and growth-associated traits of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) affected by silver nanoparticles and silver

BACKGROUND

The biochemical and growth changes resulting from exposure of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seedlings to silver nanoparticles and silver were investigated. Over a two-week period, seedlings were exposed to different concentrations (0, 40, and 80 ppm) of silver nanoparticles and silver.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that at concentrations of 40 and 80 ppm, both silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate led to decreased weight, root and shoot length, as well as chlorophyll a and b content. Conversely, these treatments triggered an increase in key biochemical properties, such as total phenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins, with silver nanoparticles showing a more pronounced effect compared to silver nitrate. Moreover, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) rose proportionally with treatment concentration, with the nanoparticle treatment exhibiting a more substantial increase. Silver content showed a significant upswing in both roots and leaves as treatment concentrations increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate on basil plants resulted in reduced growth and lower chlorophyll content, while simultaneously boosting the production of antioxidant compounds. Notably, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and total phenol increased significantly. However, despite this increase in antioxidant activity, the plant remained unable to fully mitigate the oxidative stress induced by silver and silver nanoparticles.

Stimulating effect of biogenic nanoparticles on the germination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seeds

Metal nanoparticles synthesized using various biosources are the subject of focus in many research areas thanks to their improved biological effects and increased bioavailability. Silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by using low-cost, low-energy, environmentally friendly, non-toxic chemicals and easily accessible thyme leaves and lavender flowers. The effects of various concentrations of biosynthesized NPs on the germination and germination index of basil seeds were defined comparatively. Phytochemicals in lavender flower extract acted as reducing and capping agents in the biosynthesis of Ag-NPs, and phytochemicals in thyme leaves extract acted for the biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs ve Fe3O4-NPs. Relative root length was detected at 25 mg/L ZnO-NP, stem length at 50 mg/L ZnO-NP, and relative seed germination 100 mg/L Fe3O4-NP with the maximum value. However, germination percentage, germination index, germination vigor index and root length were found to be maximum compared to other NP applications at Ag-NPs at 200 mg/L. This research showed that the germination promoting effects of NPs, which may be essential microelements, are related to their size, surface area, morphology and concentration. Thus, it promoted early and rapid germination by breaking the NP's seed dormancy.

Use of metal nanoparticles in agriculture. A review on the effects on plant germination

Agricultural nanotechnology has become a powerful tool to help crops and improve agricultural production in the context of a growing world population. However, its application can have some problems with the development of harvests, especially during germination. This review evaluates nanoparticles with essential (Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn) and non-essential (Ag and Ti) elements on plant germination. In general, the effect of nanoparticles depends on several factors (dose, treatment time, application method, type of nanoparticle and plant). In addition, pH and ionic strength are relevant when applying nanoparticles to the soil. In the case of essential element nanoparticles, Fe nanoparticles show better results in improving nutrient uptake, improving germination, and the possibility of magnetic properties could favor their use in the removal of pollutants. In the case of Cu and Zn nanoparticles, they can be beneficial at low concentrations, while their excess presents toxicity and negatively affects germination. About nanoparticles of non-essential elements, both Ti and Ag nanoparticles can be helpful for nutrient uptake. However, their potential effects depend highly on the crop type, particle size and concentration. Overall, nanotechnology in agriculture is still in its early stages of development, and more research is needed to understand potential environmental and public health impacts.

Multifaceted Role of Nanomaterials in Modulating In Vitro Seed Germination, Plant Morphogenesis, Metabolism and Genetic Engineering

The agricultural practices of breeding, farm management and cultivation have improved production, to a great extent, in order to meet the food demands of a growing population. However, the newer challenges of climate change, global warming, and nutritional quality improvement will have to be addressed under a new scenario. Plant biotechnology has emerged as a reliable tool for enhancing crop yields by protecting plants against insect pests and metabolic engineering through the addition of new genes and, to some extent, nutritional quality improvement. Plant tissue culture techniques have provided ways for the accelerated clonal multiplication of selected varieties with the enhanced production of value-added plant products to increase modern agriculture. The in vitro propagation method has appeared as a pre-eminent approach for the escalated production of healthy plants in relatively shorter durations, also circumventing seasonal effects. However, there are various kinds of factors that directly or indirectly affect the efficiency of in vitro regeneration like the concentration and combination of growth regulators, variety/genotype of the mother plant, explant type, age of seedlings and other nutritional factors, and elicitors. Nanotechnology as one of the latest and most advanced approaches in the material sciences, and can be considered to be very promising for the improvement of crop production. Nanomaterials have various kinds of properties because of their small size, such as an enhanced contact surface area, increased reactivity, stability, chemical composition, etc., which can be employed in plant sciences to alter the potential and performance of plants to improve tissue culture practices. Implementing nanomaterials with in vitro production procedures has been demonstrated to increase the shoot multiplication potential, stress adaptation and yield of plant-based products. However, nanotoxicity and biosafety issues are limitations, but there is evidence that implies the promotion and further exploration of nanoparticles in agriculture production. The incorporation of properly designed nanoparticles with tissue culture programs in a controlled manner can be assumed as a new pathway for sustainable agriculture development. The present review enlists different studies in which treatment with various nanoparticles influenced the growth and biochemical responses of seed germination, as well as the in vitro morphogenesis of many crop species. In addition, many studies suggest that nanoparticles can be useful as elicitors for elevating levels of important secondary metabolites in in vitro cultures. Recent advancements in this field also depict the suitability of nanoparticles as a promising carrier for gene transfer, which show better efficiency than traditional Agrobacterium-mediated delivery. This review comprehensively highlights different in vitro studies that will aid in identifying research gaps and provide future directions for unexplored areas of research in important crop species.

The impact of silver nanoparticles on the growth of plants: The agriculture applications

Nanotechnology is the most advanced and rapidly progressing field of science and technology. It primarily deals with developing novelty in nanomaterials by understanding and controlling matter at the nanoscale level. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most prominent nanoparticles incorporated with wide-ranging applications, owing to their distinct characteristics. Different methods have been employed for nanoparticles synthesis like chemical method, physical method, photochemical method, top-down/bottom-up approach and biological methods. The positive impacts of silver nanoparticles have been observed in various economy-based sectors, including agriculture. The scientific curiosity about AgNPs in agriculture and plant biotechnology has shown optimum efficacy over the last few years. It not only enhances seed germination and plant growth, but also improves the quantum efficiency of the photosynthetic process. AgNPs play a vital role in agriculture by having several applications that are crucial for ensuring food security and improving crop production. Moreover, they also act as nano-pesticides, providing sufficient dose to the target plants without releasing unnecessary pesticides into the environment. Nano-fertilizers slowly release nutrients to the plants, thereby preventing excessive nutrient loss. AgNPs are utilized for effective and non-toxic pest management, making them an excellent tool for combating pests safely. They combine either edible or non-biodegradable polymers for active food packaging. In addition, AgNPs also possess diverse biological properties such as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activities, which protect plants from hazardous microbes. The aim of this review is to comprehensively survey and summarize recent literature regarding the positive and negative impacts of AgNPs on plant growth, as well as their agricultural applications.

Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach for the Enhanced Growth and Yield of Tomato against Early Blight Disease

Tomato plants are among the most widely cultivated and economically important crops worldwide. Farmers' major challenge when growing tomatoes is early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani, which results in significant yield losses. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained popularity recently due to their potential antifungal activity. The present study investigated the potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for enhancing the growth and yield of tomato plants and their resistance against early blight disease. AgNPs were synthesized using leaf extract of the neem tree. Tomato plants treated with AgNPs showed a significant increase in plant height (30%), number of leaves, fresh weight (45%), and dry weight (40%) compared to the control plants. Moreover, the AgNP-treated plants exhibited a significant reduction in disease severity index (DSI) (73%) and disease incidence (DI) (69%) compared to the control plants. Tomato plants treated with 5 and 10 ppm AgNPs reached their maximum levels of photosynthetic pigments and increased the accumulation of certain secondary metabolites compared to the control group. AgNP treatment improved stress tolerance in tomato plants as indicated by higher activities of antioxidant enzymes such as PO (60%), PPO (65%), PAL (65.5%), SOD (65.3%), CAT (53.8%), and APX (73%). These results suggest that using green synthesized AgNPs is a promising approach for enhancing the growth and yield of tomato plants and protecting them against early blight disease. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of nanotechnology-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Citrus limon phytocompounds decorated nanoparticles control poultry pathogens

Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to the global health, food security, and environment. In poultry and livestock, antibiotics are beneficial since they improve poultry performance and are economically effective. Therefore, it is crucial to search for alternatives that can be environmentally safe and successful in treating these infections. In this study, we employed molecular docking to evaluate lemon peel phytochemical's protein binding capability against various poultry pathogens. The nanoparticles (LP AgNPs) obtained from the lemon peel were characterized and tested for their antibacterial activity against more poultry pathogens. LP AgNPs were characterized by using UV-Visible absorption spectra, which revealed an absorption peak at a wavelength of 420-440 nm. The FT-IR analysis demonstrated that flavonoids and phenolic acids acted as capping, reducing, and stabilizing agents during the biosynthesis of AgNPs. EDAX showed a strong peak was observed at 3 keV which revealed the absorption of metallic silver nanoparticles. The mean diameter was from 2 to 20 nm through HRTEM. Zeta potential of the LP AgNps at - 17.2 mV showed the high stability of the green synthesized AgNps. Maximum inhibitory concentrations of LP AgNps against the isolated poultry pathogens were 50 μg/ml concentration. The toxicity tests were performed in the Vigna radiata seedlings and Artemia nauplii, which showed less toxic effects and eco-friendly nature of the LP AgNps. LP AgNps have the potential to treat antibiotic resistant poultry pathogens, thereby paving the way for the development of value-added novel products incorporated with nanoparticles for treating various infection caused by antibiotic-resistant poultry pathogens.

Inorganic carbon utilization: A target of silver nanoparticle toxicity on a submerged macrophyte

Submerged macrophytes play an important role in the global carbon cycle through diversified pathways of inorganic carbon (Ci) utilization distinct from terrestrial plants. However, the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), an emerging contaminant, were unknown on the Ci utilization of submerged macrophytes. In Ottelia alismoides, the only known submerged macrophyte with three pathways of Ci utilization, before absorption, AgNPs inhibited the external carbonic anhydrase activity thus reducing the capacity of the plant to use HCO₃^-. After entering the plant, AgNPs mainly aggregated at the cell wall and in the chloroplast. The internalized AgNPs inhibited ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) activity blocking CO₂ fixation and disturbed C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) by inhibiting phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK), and NAD-dependent malic enzyme (NAD-ME) activities to alter intracellular malate biosynthesis and decarboxylation. Overall, our findings indicate that the Ci utilization of the submerged macrophyte is a target of AgNPs toxicity that might affect the carbon cycle in aquatic systems.

Phyto-interactive impact of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles and Rhizobium pusense on morpho-physiological and yield components of greengram

The iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared by green synthesis method using Syzigium cumini leaf extract was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of green synthesized NPs measuring around 33 nm while SEM revealed its nearly spherical shape. Rhizobium species recovered from greengram nodules, identified by 16s rRNA gene sequencing as Rhizobium pusense produced 30% more exopolysaccharides (EPS) in basal medium treated with 1000 μg IONPs/ml. Compositional variation in EPS was observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There was no reduction in rhizobial viability and no damage to bacterial membrane was observed under SEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. Effects of IONPs and R. pusense, used alone and in combination on the growth and development of greengram plants varied considerably. Plants grown with IONPs and R. pusence, used alone and in combination, showed a significant increase in seed germination rate, length and dry biomass of plant organs and seed components compared to controls. The IONPs in the presence of rhizobial strain further increased seed germination, plant growth, seed protein and pigments. Greater protein content (442 mg/g) was observed in seeds at 250 mg/kg of IONPs compared to control. Plants raised with mixture of IONPs plus R. pusense had maximum chlorophyll content (39.2 mg/g FW) while proline content decreased by 53% relative to controls. This study confirms that the green synthesis of IONPs from S. cumini leaf possess useful plant growth promoting effects and could be developed as a nano-biofertilizer for optimizing legume production.

The Imbibition of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds in Silver Nitrate Reduces Seed Germination, Seedlings Development and Their Metabolic Profile

The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on plants is accompanied by the occurrence of Ag⁺ ions, so the research of the effects of both on plants should be related. Therefore, in our study, the effects of Ag NPs suspension (containing Ag⁰ at 20 mg/L) and AgNO₃ solutions (with the concentration of Ag⁺ ions at 20 and 50 mg/L) on the seed germination and early seedling growth (4 days) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) were compared. Both Ag NPs and AgNO₃ did not decrease seed germination, and even stimulated seedling growth. In seedlings developing in the Ag NPs suspension, an increase in monosaccharides, homoserine and malate was noted. In the next experiment, the effect of short-term seed imbibition (8 h) in AgNO₃ at elevated concentrations, ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/L, on the further seed germination, seedling growth (in absence of AgNO₃) and their polar metabolic profiles were evaluated. The seed imbibition in AgNO₃ solutions at 500 and 1000 mg/L reduced seed germination, inhibited seedlings’ growth and caused morphological deformations (twisting and folding of root). The above phytotoxic effects were accompanied by changes in amino acids and soluble carbohydrates profiles, in both sprouts and cotyledons. In deformed sprouts, the content of homoserine and asparagine (major amino acids) decreased, while alanine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and sucrose increased. The increase in sucrose coincided with a decrease in glucose and fructose. Sprouts, but not cotyledons, also accumulated malic acid and phosphoric acid. Additionally, cotyledons developed from seeds imbibed with AgNO₃ contained raffinose and stachyose, which were not detectable in sprouts and cotyledons of control seedlings. The obtained results suggest the possible disturbances in the mobilization of primary (oligosaccharides) and presumably major storage materials (starch, proteins) as well as in the primary metabolism of developing seedlings.

Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on the In Vitro Regeneration, Biochemical, Genetic, and Phenotype Variation in Adventitious Shoots Produced from Leaf Explants in Chrysanthemum

Novel and unique properties of nanomaterials, which are not apparent in larger-size forms of the same material, encourage the undertaking of studies exploring the multifaced effects of nanomaterials on plants. The results of such studies are not only scientifically relevant but, additionally, can be implemented to plant production and/or breeding. This study aimed to verify the applicability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a mutagen in chrysanthemum breeding. Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. ‘Lilac Wonder’ and ‘Richmond’ leaf explants were cultured on the modified MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg·L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2 mg·L⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and treated with AgNPs (spherical; 20 nm in diameter size; 0, 50, and 100 mg·L⁻¹). AgNPs strongly suppressed the capability of leaf explants to form adventitious shoots and the efficiency of shoot regeneration. The content of primary and secondary metabolites (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds) and the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxide) in leaf explants varied depending on the AgNPs treatment and age of culture. Phenotype variations of ex vitro cultivated chrysanthemums, covering the color and pigment content in the inflorescence, were detected in one 50 mg·L⁻¹ AgNPs-derived and five 100 mg·L⁻¹ AgNPs-derived ‘Lilac Wonder’ plants and were manifested as the color change from pink to burgundy-gold. However, no changes in inflorescence color/shape were found among AgNPs-treated ‘Richmond’ chrysanthemums. On the other hand, the stem height, number of leaves, and chlorophyll content in leaves varied depending on the AgNPs treatment and the cultivar analyzed. A significant effect of AgNPs on the genetic variation occurrence was found. A nearly two-fold higher share of polymorphic products, in both cultivars studied, was generated by RAPD markers than by SCoTs. To conclude, protocols using leaf explant treatment with AgNPs can be used as a novel breeding technique in chrysanthemum. However, the individual cultivars may differ in biochemical response, the efficiency of in vitro regeneration, genetic variation, and frequency of induced mutations in flowering plants.

Deciphering the iPBS retrotransposons based genetic diversity of nanoparticles induced in Vitro seedlings of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

BACKGROUND

The phytochemicals contained in hemp are highly significant and can be modified or altered by employing in vitro elicitors like nanoparticles (NPs). Application of NPs type, concentration, and treatment time regulate the germination, growth, and phytohemicals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro sterilized seeds of cannabis were augmented on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles at different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 mg/L) for one month. Results revealed that supplementation of NPs resulted in reduced germination (%), root length and longer shoots and seedling fresh wt compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

Maximum germination was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 1600 mg/L TiO₂NPs (92.50%) followed by 1600 mg/L AgNPs (80.00%). Supplementation of 800 mg/L AgNPs yielded longer shoots, roots, seedlings fresh weight, and chlorophyll-b contents compared to all other treatments. Whereas, maximum chlorophyll-a, carotenoids, and MDA contents were attributed to 1200 mg/L TiO₂NPs. PCR results using eight iPBS-retrotransposons primers yielded a total of 101 bands with 98 polymorphic bands. Whereas, minimum (0.28) and maximum (0.42) gene diversity was associated with 2095 and 2228 primers.

Surface Coating-Modulated Phytotoxic Responses of Silver Nanoparticles in Plants and Freshwater Green Algae

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been implemented in a wide range of commercial products, resulting in their unregulated release into aquatic as well as terrestrial systems. This raises concerns over their impending environmental effects. Once released into the environment, they are prone to various transformation processes that modify their reactivity. In order to increase AgNP stability, different stabilizing coatings are applied during their synthesis. However, coating agents determine particle size and shape and influence their solubility, reactivity, and overall stability as well as their behavior and transformations in the biological medium. In this review, we attempt to give an overview on how the employment of different stabilizing coatings can modulate AgNP-induced phytotoxicity with respect to growth, physiology, and gene and protein expression in terrestrial and aquatic plants and freshwater algae.