Evaluation of the effects of nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles on plants

Abstract

Abstract. Nowadays, there are several commercially available products containing nanostructured materials. Meanwhile, despite the many benefits that can be obtained from nanotechnology, it is still necessary to understand the mechanisms in which nanomaterials interact with the environment, and to obtain information concerning their possible toxic effects. In agriculture, nanotechnology has been used in different applications, such as nanosensors to detect pathogens, nanoparticles as controlled release systems for pesticides, and biofilms to deliver nutrients to plants and to protect food products against degradation. Moreover, plants can be used as models to study the toxicity of nanoparticles. Indeed, phytotoxicity assays are required to identify possible negative effects of nanostructured systems, prior to their implementation in agriculture. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in plant growth and defense, and recently, several papers described the beneficial effects due to application of exogenous NO donors in plants. The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is an important anti-oxidant molecule and is the precursor of the NO donor, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). In this context, the present work investigates the effects of different concentrations of alginate/chitosan nanoparticles, containing either GSH or GSNO, on the development of two test species (Zea mays and Glycine sp.). The results showed that the alginate/chitosan nanoparticles present a size average range from 300 to 550 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.35, and encapsulation efficiency of GSH between 45 -56%. The NO release kinetics from the alginate/chitosan nanoparticles containing GSNO showed sustained and controlled NO release over several hours. Plant assays showed that at the concentrations tested (1, 5 and 10 mM of GSH or GSNO), polymeric nanoparticles showed no significant inhibitory effects on the development of the species Zea mays and Glycine sp., considering the variables shoot height, root length, and dry mass. Therefore, these nanoparticles seem to have promissing uses in agriculture, and might be potencially used as controlled release systems applied by the foliar route. , and a wide range of polymeric nanoparticles used as carrier systems for active agents [5,6]. Many products containing nanostructured materials are now commercially available, including paints, cosmetics, and electronic goods. Meanwhile, despite the many benefits that can be obtained from this technology, it is still necessary to understand the mechanisms in which nanomaterials interact with the environment, and to obtain information concerning their possible toxic effects.In agriculture, nanotechnology has been used in various ways, with the aim of improving yields and the quality of products [7]. Applications include the use of nanosensors to detect pathogens, nanoparticles as controlled release systems for pesticides, and biofilms to deliver nutrients to plants and protect food products against degradation [1]. The use of nanoparticles as carrier systems for agrochemica...

A Mini Review of S-Nitrosoglutathione Loaded Nano/Micro-Formulation Strategies

“…A novel method of using mucoadhesive polymers (alginate/chitosan) to encapsulate GSH, which can then be S -nitrozated to obtain GSNO, results in GSNO encapsulated in biodegradable and non-toxic NPs with sustained release of NO [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. The NPs are prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation that refers to a simple mixing process of different charged polymers solution to form a stable complex.…”

Influence of metallic, metallic oxide, and organic nanoparticles on plant physiology

“…Thus, no harmful or inhibitory effects in terms of root and shoot length, and dry mass were observed on Glycine sp. and Z. mays (Pereira et al, 2015). Ma et al (2019) also investigated the effect of NO-releasing chitosan nanoparticles (GSNO-CS-NPs) on cherries and a positive role of GSNO-CS-NPs citing improvement in fruit quality preservation, reduced rates of respiration, diminution in fruit weight loss, and less ethylene production.…”

Potential use and perspectives of nitric oxide donors in agriculture

“…Finally, the donor S ‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) encapsulated in alginate/chitosan nanoparticles might be potentially used as a controlled release system applied via the foliar route …”